Cooling Breaks Cause Irritation at World Cup: 'I Can See Eredivisie Directors Embracing It'

At an increasing number of World Cup matches, loud boos erupt from the stands as players head to the sidelines for the mandatory three-minute cooling break. Fans, players, and coaches are now openly questioning whether the measure is truly intended to protect player health, or primarily to create additional advertising opportunities for TV broadcasters and sponsors.

Maaskant observes that matches are now essentially played in four 22-minute segments. "It's sacrilege, because football is a sport of two 45-minute halves," he states. "In football, you normally have to account for the physical component, but that's now being broken. You now simply get four quarters, and then you also have the opportunity to make different tactical adjustments."

Maaskant also understands why the football world is looking at such solutions. "From a commercial perspective," the former coach responds emphatically. "If I tell Ralf (Seuntjens, striker for Lommel SK, ed.) now: you can earn 2000 net more per month because we'll soon have a water break. Then I could well imagine him saying: well, I'll take that."

He thereby highlights the economic reality of modern football. "This world increasingly revolves around money, but it's also called professional football for a reason. That means players want more. No one goes into contract negotiations to say: just give me a little less salary this year."

According to Maaskant, this forces clubs and organizations to constantly seek new revenue streams. "It doesn't work that way, so that means clubs constantly have to be busy bringing in money from all sides. And the moment that market is saturated, then you have to move towards new ideas."

Maaskant therefore believes that FIFA primarily views such interventions from a commercial perspective. "It's not always pleasant, but FIFA is also constantly trying to rake in money. Then you get these strange practices that are now in place," he continues. "I can also well imagine that a number of Dutch directors are now saying: guys, we can't balance the budget. How can we achieve that? Would a water break be an idea?"

Fellow pundit Seuntjens understands Maaskant's point of view but also points out the sporting consequences. "From a sporting perspective, it's naturally dramatic, and that's increasingly where things are headed," the 37-year-old striker adds. Maaskant then brings up other sports. "In Formula 1, you already see commercials during the race. That's developing, and we won't stop it."

In the latest episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast, Maaskant and Ralf Seuntjens also discuss the latest developments at the World Cup. For instance, Quinten Timber's concussion is discussed. Additionally, the duo delves into transfer rumors surrounding various Dutch national team players. The question is: do such stories cause distraction during a major tournament, or do they provide extra motivation?

Erik ten Hag's striking interview with NOS also comes up. Would the coach actually talk to the KNVB if they approached him? Furthermore, Maaskant and Seuntjens speak openly about the impact of private situations on players during a World Cup. The full episode of the Sportnieuws.nl World Cup football podcast can be listened to and watched daily on all popular podcast platforms.