fans were seen climbing over security railings and running past police officers and stadium staff. others were seen hoisting each other into air ducts, in an apparent attempt to enter the stadium through its ventilation system. some people, including children, were screaming, while others received medical treatment, the associated press reported . the new york times described it as a “near-disaster that overshadowed the spectacle of the game.”
advertisement
argentine journalist veronica brunati told the buenos aires herald : “it was a miracle that no one died. … i have traveled the world covering the argentine national team for over 20 years and i have never seen anything like this.”
advertisement
even before the tournament, canada coach jesse marsch’s conversations with conmebol organizers gave him concerns about potential off-field problems, he told the canadian press , adding: “at one point i said, ‘you guys don’t know what you’re talking about.'”
fifa has drawn plenty of controversy in recent years, including human-rights criticisms and a major corruption scandal that produced criminal charges .
advertisement
in april, the b.c. government released new figures estimating the public cost of hosting part of the world cup in vancouver could exceed half a billion dollars — more than double previous estimates from two years earlier.
advertisement