Have you heard about the new hybrid pitch at the 2018 World Cup? This hybrid pitch for World Cup arenas offers many of the same benefits of fake grass. That’s because it’s made with 95% live grass and 5% synthetic yarn. The hybrid pitch for the World Cup was chosen because its reinforcement system keeps it stable through long games. A drainage system beneath the surface removes excess water from the soil. This new surface option has reduced the need for constant pitch upkeep. At Watersavers Turf, we’re glad to see more major sports teams making use of products like ours. Of course, that’s not the only reason we’ve been excited to watch the World Cup this year.

Artificial Grass for Soccer Fields Offers Major Benefits

The fact that some Russian stadiums have used a mix of natural and artificial grass for soccer fields is surely an interesting story from this year’s matches. We already know that artificial grass for soccer fields stays in great shape during intense game play. By using a blend of real and artificial grass for soccer fields, teams can enjoy a sturdy surface option.

That said, the biggest stories of this year’s World Cup involve the matches and players. The following are some highlights from this past week’s games:

Uruguay Progresses

Uruguay’s Monday match against Russia ended in a 3-0 shutout. The win allows Uruguay to progress to the next phase. Despite a more focused effort in the second half, Russia could not secure a goal. Edinson Cavani scored the 90-minute goal, his first of the World Cup.

Colombia’s Comeback

Colombia didn’t impress many fans during its opening match with Japan. The team redeemed itself on a Sunday match against Poland. This match also ended with a 3-0 score in favor of Colombia. Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Juan Quintero and Juan Cuadrado played with an aggressive flair that made the defeat against Japan much easier to forget.

England Thrashes Panama

England’s match against Panama attracted the highest share of television audience in the 2018 World Cup thus far. Viewers were in for a treat (unless they rooted for Panama). The match, which included a Harry Kane hat trick, ended in a 6-1 win for England.

Germany’s Last-Minute Win

Germany’s Saturday match against Sweden was already unique. Sweden’s early lead could have ended in German’s elimination if it had been maintained. Even after Germany tied the game, a draw would have inched the team closer to dismissal. This would have been the first time Germany failed to reach the semifinals this century. All fears were put to rest when Toni Kroos scored the winning goal during injury time.

Mexico vs. South Korea

Mexico will need to earn a point against Sweden if it will make it to the final 16. This will be the seventh time in a row Mexico has done so. Luckily, the team has been putting on a great show so far. The match against Germany was one to remember. Mexico’s victory over South Korea was also thrilling. Javier Hernández put the team ahead while also scoring his 50th international goal.

What to Look Forward To

This week will end the group phase of the matches. Teams that have already secured a spot in the knockout phase include Uruguay, Portugal, Spain, and Russia. Mexico’s commanding lead at the top of Group F gives fans good reason to believe they’ll move on to the next stage. Tied with Sweden for points, Germany needs a good outcome to comfortably move on to the knockout phase as well. The following is the complete schedule of matches remaining in the group phase:

• Wednesday, June 27 – South Korea vs. Germany (7:00 AM PST)
• Wednesday, June 27 – Mexico vs. Sweden (7:00 AM PST)
• Wednesday, June 27 – Serbia vs. Brazil (11:00 AM PST)
• Wednesday, June 27 – Switzerland vs. Costa Rica (11:00 AM PST)
• Thursday, June 28 – Japan vs. Poland (7:00 AM PST)
• Thursday, June 28 – Senegal vs. Colombia (7:00 AM PST)
• Thursday, June 28 – Panama vs. Tunisia (11:00 AM PST)
• Thursday, June 28 – England vs. Belgium (11:00 AM PST)

Why Teams Choose Synthetic Soccer Turf

We at Watersavers Turf love this sport. That’s why we sell synthetic soccer turf to schools. We also sell our turf to parks and rec departments. Our synthetic soccer turf is designed to stand up to the wear and tear of intense gameplay. It also drains water more quickly than live grass. This means games are less likely to get canceled because of rain. Many schools and towns make the switch to our synthetic soccer turf because it’s easy to maintain. Unlike a grass field, you never need to mow or water it. It also requires fewer repairs than other surface options. Schools and towns on a budget save a lot of money by making the switch.

Best of all, buy our field turf or other items during the World Cup, and you could win a great prize!

Buy Irrigation Supplies, Field Turf, or Landscape Products & Win a Prize

We’re sharing in the World Cup fun by playing all the matches at our Watersavers Turf SF Bay Area locations. Throughout the World Cup, every time you spend $300 on field turf or other items, we’ll give you a raffle ticket. Winners will be announced after the final game. Each will receive their an authentic team soccer jersey!