Excessive use of fertiliser on the new playing surface at the Arena da Amazônia means that sections of seriously undernourished grass are now undergoing emergency repairs.
The World Cup stadium in Manaus has already hosted two domestic games but is now in a race against time to get the pitch to a high standard before England play the Italy on 14 June.
Despite nearing structural completion, the region’s high temperatures and humid conditions have posed serious challenges to the playing surface. Sections appear dry while two patches in one of the penalty areas are almost devoid of grass.
Portugal and the USA will also travel to the Amazon this summer, while Manaus will host matches between Cameroon and Croatia and Switzerland and Honduras during the group stages.
