Colombia play this tuesday against Chile in a real pasture. The National Team of Néstor Lorenzo will play in the second round of the Qualifiers against the southern team at the Monumental stadium in Santiago, whose the condition of the grass is a bit worrying because of its large patches in various sectors of the farm.
Delegates have been working tirelessly to prepare the grass for tomorrow’s duel, but pictures emerging on Monday show a pathetic situation a day before the game is to be played.
The cause of this problem is due to a Bruno Mars concert, which took place on September 6 on the same stage and was attended by almost 50 thousand people. To this we must add the it has been raining continuously for the past few days because of the severe winters they experienced in the trans-Andes country, which greatly worsened the condition of the grass.
This Monday, they will be seen pictures in social networks where it is known that these conditions have not improved. Journalist Carlos Antonio Vélez uploaded a publication on ‘X’ where the large patches and unevenness that the grass has and that can lead to a serious injury for any of the players.
The ANFP made alternatives to change the venue in this situation such as Sausalito de Viña del Mar, but later they confirmed that the game will be played at the home of Colo Colo. That is why they are working overtime to recover the affected areas. These arrangements also lead to the two teams not being able to do individual field reconnaissance to preserve the condition of the grass.
“The rain has passed and we are working with the company advising Colo Colo and his field manager to come up with a plan of action. So far so good. 70% of the field is uncovered, leaving only a small area surrounding the stage” explained the operations manager of ANFP, Felipe de Pablo.
“It is 100% confirmed it was played by Monumental. 40 days ago we started at a work table thinking about this game. Colo Colo, the producer who managed the Bruno Mars concert, and the ANFP were there, where the meeting was planned,” added the manager.
The claim of the Colombian Federation before FIFA and Conmebol
Néstor Lorenzo’s assistant, Luis Amaranto Perea, appeared in the media before the match, strongly protesting against the deplorable condition of the grass where they will play this Tuesday against Chile. “Bring back the concern about the state of the field. It does not create the necessary guarantees for a competition like this. Not only for our players but for theirs as well” said the former player, now on the coaching staff of the national team.
In the same way, he explained that the Federation has formally presented the complaint to the authorities regarding the situation of the grassland in Monumental de Santiago and hopes to give consideration to their claim in order to provide a guarantee. “Amua The Federation spoke to FIFA and Conmebol expressing concern. We no longer decide and try to adapt to the condition of the grass. We are concerned that the guarantees will be presented,” said Perea.
Why is the stadium at half capacity?
For the match against Colombia, the Monumental stadium in Santiago It can only accommodate 22.5 thousand fans from 40 thousand with capacity. This is because of the punishment brought to Chile because of racist chants which they did in the previous qualifying rounds.
Because of this, the southern team will have almost half of its fans cheering it on the stage where the match for the second round of the Qualifiers towards the 2026 World Cup will be played this Tuesday.
A situation that brings back good memories of Colombia
The Monumental David Arellano is home to the historic Colo Colo and serves as the headquarters of the Chilean team for many matches. For Colombia it is a place that brings back good memories. To be specific, the match against the Chile team was played there for 2014 World Cup Qualifiers where the tricolor took victory from home.
The team led by Néstor Pékerman, Lorenzo’s teacher, won 1-3 on Chilean soil with goals from Falcao, James and Teo Gutiérrez. The victory was a coup d’état for the team that finished qualifying in Brazil and where James has begun to show signs of the big role he will play.
