World Cup Gala cancelled

Special Berlin blushes as World Cup gala cancelled:

"Fifa, world football's governing body, made the embarrassing announcement that it had cancelled the tournament's opening gala - because of fears it would damage the grass in the 75,000-seat Olympiastadion, in Berlin."

5000 volunteer performers ready to perform...now the show is not going on to keep the grass in pristine condition. "Keep off the grass." It's something we laugh at when we go to Europe. We understand, but it's still funny. Here it's standard that lawns will have brown patches where people walk on them. We are always repairing worn trails and frayed edges on lawns. They say it's not because of the grass but because of low ticket sales. For the World Cup? In Berlin?? People here having been looking forward to the World Cup since the last one finished. The anticipation has to be even stronger in Europe. What's going on?