Argentina Coach Slams Hydration Breaks: "Only Helps Weaker Teams"

Cooling breaks have drawn criticism, as they consume six minutes of play in every match. While intended to help players rehydrate and cool down in high temperatures and humidity, they also disrupt the game's rhythm. Referees mandate one such break per half.

The Argentine coach believes these breaks essentially divide matches into quarters.

“While the group stage has historically always been challenging, I'd say this World Cup is a bit tougher because there are more matches. The initial phase is always demanding for everyone, compounded by the conditions, heat, and constant breaks in play. This means it could benefit a theoretically weaker team, as they get time to recover,” Scaloni stated, according to AFP.

The defending champions defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match, with star Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick. Argentina's next challenge is against Austria, scheduled for Monday at 7:00 PM CEST at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.