Terrible state of Manaus stadium pitch proof Brazil still isn’t ready for the 2014 FIFA World Cup

IN THREE days, England will play Italy in one of the showpiece matches of the FIFA World Cup group stage. It could be a mess.

A groundsman cuts the grass at the 2014 soccer World Cup venue at the Arena da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Wednesday, June 11, 2014. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

ON SUNDAY morning (EST), England takes on Italy in one of the showpiece matches of the FIFA World Cup group stage.

And the playing surface looks like this. Bone dry, patchy with visible brown stripes.

The groundsman admitted Manaus stadium will be in “bad shape” for England v Italy.

The area inside the box is the greatest concern.

Manaus is not the only World Cup venue in terrible shape.

These photos, taken today, prove what many have been fearing for months: Brazil still isn’t ready to host the biggest sporting event in the world.

The groundsman responsible for the pitch in Manaus admitted the pitch was in “bad shape” and would not be much better for game time.

Carlos Botella, head groundsman for the Royal Verd company which is responsible for the turf at Manaus and six other World Cup stadiums, told AP: “Frankly, Manaus is in bad shape.

“We’ve started to implement an emergency plan to try to save the field and improve it as much as possible, but I don’t think it’ll be in good condition by the weekend.

“Yesterday we put fertiliser, and we’ll increase the fertilising process with biostimulants and seeds to try to get the most out of the grass.”

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Spain's Diego Costa is among the players who have spoken out against the standard of the World Cup stadiums.

Spain is worried that poor pitch conditions in Brazil could hurt its playing style as it tries to defend its title — and the defending champions aren’t the only ones to complain about the pitches in this trouble plagued World Cup.

Spain striker Diego Costa said “the field has to be wet and well-groomed” for Saturday’s Group B match against the Netherlands at Salvador’s Arena Fonte Nova.

The grass being used at World Cup venues combines a mix of European and South American seeds — with the latter known for slowing the ball.

European “ray grass” grows vertically to provide a polished surface, while South American seeds grow coarser grass blades that also emerge horizontally.

— with AP