Officials with Spain's national football team are concerned about pitch conditions for its June 16 Confederations Cup match at Pernambuco Arena in Recife, Brazil, according to Miguel Ángel Lara of MARCA. In a visit to Brazil two months ago, the officials visited stadiums where the playing surfaces had not been completed, but the concern was that the type of grass typically used in South America is much slower than what is used in European stadiums. The grass chosen in Recife is called Bermuda Tifway 419. Its resistance to light and heat -- median annual temperatures in Recife exceed 25 degrees Celsius (77F) -- "make it a good choice." This surface "has three big advantages: its water consumption is 30% less than typical grasses; it doesn't allow for bad weeds because of its high density and finally, it offers the security of maintaining perfect conditions in terms of color and appearance." Another reassuring aspect of the field is the fact that it will be taken care of by the same company, Ireland's Support in Sport, that monitors the field at Camp Nou (MARCA, 4/25).
