Hydration Breaks: A Commercial Ploy? Renowned Journalist Slams Them as "Ruining Our Sport"

Hydration breaks, lasting six minutes in total with one mandated by the referee in each half, are designed to help players cool down and rehydrate in extreme temperatures and humidity. However, they also disrupt the flow of the game.

"Hydration breaks are a bit interesting," said Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk, whose team drew 2-2 with Japan in a climate-controlled arena in Dallas on Sunday. "I've watched almost every game so far, and every time a commercial popped up on TV, it was a bit... I can't say I like it. I don't think it's ideal for casual TV viewers either."

On Sunday, fans at the Sweden vs. Tunisia match (5-1) in Monterrey, Mexico, voiced their disdain for the breaks with loud boos. FIFA maintains that the pauses are designed to protect player health. They will be part of all World Cup matches, regardless of the arena or weather conditions. Broadcasters in the USA are using the breaks for commercial advertising, leading to criticism that FIFA has further commercialized football.

"This is the year the game of two halves became a game of four quarters. And the greatest sport and sporting event has been ruined for a handful of dollars," prominent British sports journalist Henry Winter told AFP.

The refreshment breaks also impact the natural progression of matches. In some games, they have significantly shifted the momentum for one of the teams, as coaches use the pauses to change tactics or give instructions to players if the game isn't going as planned.

Tournament debutants Curacao equalized against favorites Germany after 21 minutes to make it 1-1, but then the break came, and with it, the dynamic of the match changed. The four-time world champions scored two more goals before halftime and ultimately triumphed 7-1.

However, not everyone is against the hydration breaks. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente stated that player welfare is paramount: "It's difficult to maintain such a level of physical play for an extended period. I believe these breaks offer a short rest to recharge and continue at a good pace."