In Dallas, Jacquelyn Burrer reported North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee and North Central Texas Council of Governments officials on Tuesday said that the 10pm ET start time for Saturday’s Jordan-Argentina match will be a “major test of how late-night travel patterns interact with World Cup traffic.” North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee President Monica Paul said that the transportation plan has “been a success so far.” North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Dir Michael Morris said that he “does not know what exactly to expect from a late-night kickoff,” but mentioned that “officials are prepared to adjust operations if needed” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/23).
STAYING PUT: In Seattle, Tim Booth reported despite its initial request being denied, Egypt will get a “couple of days in Seattle” before its final group stage match against Iran. FIFA’s official calendar noted that the Egyptians will “hold a training session on Wednesday night in Seattle.” Tournament officials clarified that Egypt’s “plan all along was to train in Seattle on Wednesday night,” but the team had “requested to spend more time in the city” (SEATTLE TIMES, 6/23).
TAKING A BREAK: In Philadelphia, Kerith Gabriel noted when the “torrential downpour” during Monday’s France-Iraq match at Philadelphia Stadium halted the game for 2 hours, 10 minutes, it “sent poncho-clad fans scattering into the concourses in search of shelter” and “anything else they could get their hands on.” By the time play resumed a little after 8pm, concession stands on the main concourse of the stadium had “little to nothing left by way of food and drink.” Gabriel: “Judging by the small FIFA team store just outside the southwest corner of the stadium, in addition to eating, fans at loose ends shop. … By the time the game finished, shelves were empty” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/23).
