Arena field named Pitch of the Year

The Allianz Arena playing field has been named Bundesliga Pitch of the Year 2014/15 by the German Football League (DFL). “We’re delighted. Perfect turf is obviously one of the important components of our game,” commented FCB sporting director Matthias Sammer, “many congratulations to the team headed by Christian Dinauer for their outstanding efforts, both at the Allianz Arena and also at our Säbener Strasse training facility.” The Pitch of the Year accolade, awarded this year for the second time, was determined on behalf of a DFL expert committee by a specialist jury comprising members of the Deutsche Rasengesellschaft (German Turf Society).

Leupolz still a doubt for Germany

The Germany women’s national team are in confident mood prior to their second World Cup group match against Norway (Thursday, 22.00 CET), although coach Silvia Neid is still likely to be without Bayern schemer Melanie Leupolz. Following the final pre-match workout, Neid indicated she would probably rest the midfielder again as she continues her recovery from pelvic bruising. “It’s getting better every day for Melanie, but she’ll only play once she feels no pain at all,” commented Neid.