The World Cup match in Houston saw Curaçao fans erupt in celebration when Livano Comenencia scored against Germany, a four-time champion. However, a 7-1 loss ensued as two goals were conceded before halftime, after a hydration break halted the game at 1-1.
Alan Shearer, a former England striker, expressed sympathy on The Rest is Football podcast. “They scored, and then it stopped maybe 30 seconds later. So it’s killed their momentum.”
FIFA introduced hydration breaks to address concerns over the summer heat during the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Critics argue these breaks disrupt game flow and allow coaches to alter tactics.
Despite potential heat exceeding 90 F (32 C), some claim the breaks are merely timeouts for advertisers to run commercials. Former Ireland player Roy Keane expressed concern on The Overlap podcast, emphasizing the disruption to the game’s pace.
“We love football because of the pace of the game… what it’s doing is stopping the flow of the game, the momentum.” – Roy Keane
Opportunity for Tactical Adjustments
Coaches use these breaks for tactical instructions. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman noted, “You can use the break to tell the players what they need to improve or what is good or what they should do better.”
Goals were scored within 10 minutes after a break in eight of the first 16 games. Teams like Uruguay, Canada, and Sweden saw a shift in play following breaks.
Fan Experience Affected
Hydration breaks influence fans’ experience, with boos from audiences evident, such as in a game between Iraq and Norway. These breaks occur 22 minutes into each half, lasting three minutes, even under roofs or air conditioning.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Norway coach Staale Solbakken raised questions about breaks’ necessity in milder weather. Luis de la Fuente remarked on adaptability required for these rules.
Broadcasters capitalize on breaks for commercials. While Fox uses breaks for ads, Telemundo does not. Virgil van Dijk, Netherlands captain, commented that viewers might find frequent commercials undesirable.
“Every time going to a commercial is a bit … not really (something) that I like.” – Virgil van Dijk
France coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the evolving nature of soccer. He recognized the adjustments required from players and coaches.
Whether FIFA will adopt hydration breaks in future tournaments remains unknown. However, the English Football Association indicated they are unlikely for the European Championship in 2028.
Contributors to this report include Kyle Hightower in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Ron Blum in New York, Maura Carey in Atlanta, and Stephen Hawkins in Dallas.
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