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Football fans attending World Cup matches are increasingly vocal about their displeasure with hydration breaks. During the tournament's second week, boos frequently erupted when the referee halted play for three minutes around the 22nd minute of each half. On Thursday, particularly loud jeers were heard during co-hosts Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver. Earlier that day, during the 1-1 draw between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, discontent was also palpable. Fans also clearly expressed their disapproval during the Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, England vs. Croatia, and Ghana vs. Panama matches.
This World Cup innovation effectively transforms the two halves into a four-quarter format, a structure familiar to US audiences from sports like basketball and American football. This model was introduced due to concerns about player physical exertion. However, many observers believe the breaks are being misused. For television networks, these pauses create additional advertising opportunities, which are being exploited to the fullest. Critics accuse them of simply trying to monetize the game. The match's dynamic is often noticeably disrupted by these extra breaks. Some coaches, however, view them positively, as they allow for greater influence over the game.
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