The FIFA World Cup final on Sunday will include a halftime show, featuring performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. This addition has sparked debate among coaches and players, with some arguing it changes the spirit of the sport.
Hydration Breaks and Halftime Shows
The World Cup has already introduced hydration breaks, which have been met with criticism from some coaches. England coach Thomas Tuchel stated that these breaks “interrupt and change the identity of a football match much more than I thought.” Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa also expressed his disapproval, saying that playing four periods instead of two alters the culturally constructed conception of how to interpret football.
However, some coaches, like the U.S.’s Mauricio Pochettino, have tried to use the hydration breaks to their advantage. U.S. player Sergiño Dest also sees the breaks as an opportunity to settle and talk with teammates.
Halftime Show Details
The halftime show is expected to last around 25 minutes, which is longer than the standard 15 minutes allowed by international football rules. This has raised concerns among coaches, who worry that the extended break could affect the players’ fitness.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
