Fears England’s World Cup clash with Mexico could still change | World | News
England fans warned about timing of last 16 matches world cup The conflict with Mexico could still change as storms threaten a nightmare scenario. The match at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium will kick off at 18:00 local time (BST).
However, thunder and lightning are expected Sunday afternoon, which could result in delays to kickoff or suspension of play if it does start. Sky Sports News presenter Kaveh Solhekol said the media had been told there was an 80% chance of a storm, adding that if there was a storm and lightning then it would happen. players will be taken to the locker rooms.
He explained: “Fans would be asked to leave and head to the venues to avoid the lightning hazard. The match would be postponed.” The host said that last summer, matches in the United States were postponed by up to two and a half hours for the same reasons.
Mr. Solhekol said: “Fans must be prepared for the possibility that the game may not start at 1 a.m. And they must be prepared for the possibility that it may take much longer. And that is entirely due to the threat of extreme weather here in Mexico on Sunday evening.”
Storm predictions have previously led to discussions that the game could be put forward.
Possible stormy conditions in the Mexican capital have led to reports that an earlier kick-off time of the match was being considered at 12pm local time (7pm on Sunday in the UK).
The Football Association was stunned by the prospect of an earlier start and Mexican officials also opposed the change. FIFA decided not to change the timing.
The storm will bring chaos England An unwanted headache before a match where there are already serious challenges.
England will face the host nation at their home stadium, with a change in altitude as the Estadio Azteca is 2,240 meters above sea level.
This causes the air to become thinner, meaning less oxygen is taken in with each breath, making it a much more physically demanding experience.
While England players will be affected, it can also affect the match as it means the ball flies through thinner air, shots go off target and passes are over-accurate.
The team that hosted the World Cup lost only two of the 89 matches it played in Azteca, and their last defeat was in 2013.
England will have to rewrite the record books if they are to continue their World Cup journey.
