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Japan’s Yuto Nagatamo says Brazilian Heat is Mind over Matter
Japanese international defender Yuto Nagatomo, who plays in the Italian Serie A with Inter Milan, says the weather in Brazil shouldn’t have any effect on his squad’s performances during the World Cup. He believes the conditions such as heat and humidity are more or less a psychological problem for most players rather than a physical one.

England coach Roy Hodgson said it was “the place ideally to avoid” because of the humid and steamy weather in the region, remarks that insulted local officials and prompted an apology.

Smart WCup teams tap science to beat Brazil's heat
European teams say they are more prepared than ever for a hot and humid World Cup, training in saunas, planning to soak their jerseys in cold water before games and working with doctors to design the perfect hydration formula for each player.

Even though the tournament is held in Brazil's winter, stadiums in the tropical north will be warm, with temperatures often above 30 Celsius (85 Fahrenheit).

Howard Webb is bent double with pain and can barely stand up. Sweat pours from his chin, dripping down his arms and his legs.

The 42-year-old referee gasps for air as the heat in this tiny room at Sheffield Hallam University's Faculty of Health and Wellbeing rises and the humidity spirals.

"It is tough, it is very tough," he says. "The heat and humidity are going to be the biggest challenges in Brazil. We all know that."

Webb leaves for Brazil in three days as England's sole refereeing representative.