U-17 World Cup: Grass causes Germany problems

Panaji: Germany’s first opponent at the U-17 World Cup, on paper, are Costa Rica. But it appears it’s what’s beneath their feet and not the adversary in front.

Coach Christian Wuck and his team have been grappling with difficulties arising from the pitch at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.

“We had problems with the grass which is smaller in shape (shorter blades) and the players have found passing difficult,” he said.

But the German camp isn’t looking at it as an insurmountable hurdle. Midfielder Erik Majetschak, also attending the pre-match media conference, said, “The grass is very different from what we have in Germany but we are getting used to it.”

The Germans had their first look at the venue on Thursday following three satisfying training sessions at other locations since landing in Goa in the wee hours on Sunday.

With a juggernaut-like performance at the Euros in Croatia earlier this year, Germany’s much vaunted attack is expected to carry them into the knockout phase from Group C which also includes Iran and Guinea.