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Mexican head coach Juan Carlos Osorio had his men’s national soccer team training on the lush grass pitch at Burnaby’s cosy Swangard Stadium on Tuesday.

But he insisted the artificial turf at BC Place, site of Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match with Canada, won’t be an issue.

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“We heard that the artificial field is quite in good condition,” Osorio said at a coaches’ news conference at a downtown Vancouver hotel. “We just tried to train on grass because it’s a surface that the players feel more comfortable with.

“However, we will have a training session tomorrow (Wednesday, BC Place) to get to know the stadium. I think at the end of the day it will be a surface for both teams and we don’t make any excuses on it.”

OK, so the turf shouldn’t be an issue. What about that retractable roof? Open, or closed?

After Canadian coach Benito Floro said he’s fine either way, even if it’s raining or snowing – which surely would cause the Mexicans some discomfort – Osorio was diplomatic.