WORLD CUP 2014

Brazil wary of playing in small Rosario stadium


RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Brazil is a little wary of playing in the cozy confines of Estadio Gigante de Arroyito against Argentina this weekend in a World Cup qualifier.

When the two rivals usually meet in Argentina, its largest in the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. But after Argentina coach Diego Maradona complained about the state of the River Plate stadium in June, the party moved to Rosario, some 185 miles (300 kilometers) north of the capital.

There, only 16 feet (five meters) that separates the field from the stands.

"We know that the fans are closer to the stadium in Rosario, and that only creates an atmosphere of pressure," Brazil defender Juan told the FIFA website.

Another challenge: Maradona called the pitch was cut before Saturday's game, which should speed up the game and allow the likes of Lionel Messi of Argentina quickly attack large Brazilian defenders...[source]