07/03/26 03:47:00
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07/03 15:45 CDT FIFA considering earlier kickoff for Mexico vs. England at the
World Cup due to thunderstorm fears
FIFA considering earlier kickoff for Mexico vs. England at the World Cup due to
thunderstorm fears
By CARLOS RODRIGUEZ and JAMES ROBSON
MEXICO CITY (AP) --- The World Cup round of 16 match between Mexico and England
on Sunday could be moved to an earlier kickoff due to concerns about an
afternoon thunderstorm forecast in Mexico City.
FIFA is looking at the possibility of starting the game earlier than the
scheduled 6:00 p.m. at the Azteca Stadium, a person with knowledge of the
situation told The Associated Press.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because no final decision has
been made.
Among the concerns for FIFA is the possible disruption caused by flooding.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre spoke out against changing the kickoff time.
"It's a kick in the gut; now we must change everything. It's not that all the
work goes down the drain---though it's close---because you're having to scrap
six hours of scheduled planning. I don't like it at all," Aguirre told Radio
Formula. "Obviously, we'll abide by what FIFA says, but neither my players nor
I are happy about it."
Rescheduling the match could also affect England's preparations. The Three
Lions are scheduled to arrive late Friday and will hold their Saturday training
session at the UNAM Pumas grounds in the south of the capital, leaving them
with significantly less time to acclimatize to the Mexican capital's high
elevation before kick-off.
The Azteca Stadium sits at more than 7,300 feet (2,200 meters) above sea level.
For elite athletes to perform at their peak at high altitude, a period of
adaption is required to reduce fatigue caused by lower atmospheric pressure and
reduced oxygen availability, experts say. Sports scientists generally recommend
an extended acclimation period of at least two weeks, or the "fly-in, fly-out"
method of arriving as close to game time as possible before acute symptoms set
in.
The game will be Mexico City's fifth and final match of the World Cup.
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