Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleArgentina's Julian Alvarez in action on the pitch (Reuters)Ian Wright led criticism of the World Cup final pitch at MetLife Stadium, describing it as 'bobbly and dry' and 'ridiculous, poor, terrible' after a goalless first half between Spain and Argentina. The playing surface, natural grass laid over an artificial one, has been a consistent point of contention throughout the World Cup due to its dry and patchy condition. Brazil's Vinicius Jr and France coach Didier Deschamps previously voiced concerns, stating the pitch made games slow, hindered rhythm, and was tough on players' muscles. The hot, dry North American summer weather is cited as a factor, with stadiums featuring retractable roofs not experiencing similar issues. Extended pre-game and half-time shows, which took place on the pitch, are also believed to have contributed to the poor condition of the playing surface. In full‘Terrible’ World Cup final pitch criticised after slow start to Spain v ArgentinaMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Mixed reviews on New Jersey’s World Cup pitch as Argentina and Spain meet in the final amid concerns over turf speed, firmness and conditions.

Nottingham Forest's pitch performance manager travelled to Texas to oversee the laying of the 16th pitch at the summer's World Cup finals