Loud boos echoed around Dallas Stadium at the start of the first hydration break during the World Cup clash between England and Croatia on Wednesday as fans signaled their disdain for the innovation.
Controversy Over Mandatory Breaks
FIFA’s mandatory three-minute breaks, one in each half, have proved controversial since being introduced for the first time at this World Cup to help players deal with the heat and humidity of the North American summer. Some critics say the breaks kill the flow of the game, while others see their introduction as a cynical ploy to split the game into four quarters and allow broadcasters more opportunities to show commercials.
Fan Reactions Across Venues
Some England fans had said on social media they would signal their objection at Wednesday’s match, and the boos started from both sets of supporters as soon as referee Clement Turpin blew his whistle to signal the break in the 22nd minute. The hydration break also received a cold reception in chilly Toronto for the day’s other Group L encounter, as fans booed while players from Panama and Ghana walked toward their respective benches as a steady rain poured down.
There were also boos from the crowd when the first break started on Tuesday in Norway’s match against Iraq at Boston Stadium, where the temperature was a mild 23 degrees Celsius (73.4°F). Iraq were holding the Norwegians at 0-0 and playing well when the break started but conceded a goal four minutes after play resumed and lost 4-1.
