FIFA has been heavily criticized for the high ticket prices, which in individual cases are more than $30,000 (26,000 euros). Several US states are already investigating possible ticket usury. In his press conference in Mexico City, which observers described as “defiant,” Infantino pointed out that tickets had also been offered for $60. But there were very few of them.
Regarding the referee Omar Artan, who was not allowed into the country by the USA, Infantino said: “It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia.” Apparently in view of the widespread criticism of the case, the Swiss advised the public to “relax”. There’s no point in “screaming and yelling at each other.” At the same time, Infantino pointed out that FIFA cannot dictate anything to the governments of the host countries.
The FIFA boss also once again defended his close relationship with Trump. He was “very happy” about the “very good relationship” with the US President. Without his commitment and involvement, “in my opinion, it would have been simply impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States.”
After a thunderstorm: England wins the World Cup dress rehearsal
England won their World Cup dress rehearsal against Costa Rica after a severe storm in Orlando. In the duel, which started very late, coach Thomas Tuchel’s team was the highly superior team and won 3-0 (1-0) in the end. Declan Rice (9th minute) and Anthony Gordon with a penalty kick (68th) and Ollie Watkins (87th) scored for the British against the opponents from Central America who did not qualify for the World Cup. England had the best opportunities to score more goals.
Before kick-off, heavy rain and lightning could be seen in videos and photos from the Inter&Co Stadium on social media. But the sun came out during the game. Tuchel completely changed his starting eleven during the game. After 63 minutes, Bayern star Harry Kane, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Rice, among others, called it a day, and in the 71st minute Jude Bellingham, Gordon and Elliot Anderson also left the field.
England face Croatia in the World Cup opener on Wednesday next week. The Three Lions’ other opponents in Group L are Ghana and Panama.
