The hydration break was scrapped in the second half of France's World Cup clash against Iraq after the start of the second half was delayed by over two hours due to adverse weather conditions. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed: "No hydration break in the second half."
Background on Hydration Breaks
FIFA announced in December that all 104 World Cup matches would pause for three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, due to expected high temperatures in North America. However, the breaks have been controversial. They have enabled commercial broadcasters to show advertisements, allowed managers to give tactical instructions, and disrupted the flow of games.
Weather Disruption in Philadelphia
During France's match against Iraq at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, heavy rain fell towards the end of the first half, and lightning activity was approaching the stadium. Supporters were told by officials to 'exit the open seating areas' during the interval. FIFA initially delayed the start of the second half by at least 15 minutes for player and fan safety, but the delay extended to over two hours. France led 1-0 at the break thanks to Kylian Mbappe's goal after 14 minutes.
Pundits and Players Criticize Breaks
Plenty of pundits have voiced disapproval of the hydration breaks, and booing from the crowd when drinks breaks begin has become a growing trend. Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk criticized them after the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan was broken into four quarters at the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Van Dijk said: "Hydration breaks are a bit interesting... every time going to commercial is a bit... Not really that I like it. I think for the neutral watchers on TV it's also not great. If it's really hot, obviously it would be good to put them in. But I think you have to look at it in every game, separately."
Deschamps Defends Breaks
France boss Didier Deschamps, however, revealed he is a fan of the breaks. Ahead of his team's opener against Senegal, he said: "These hydration breaks for three minutes, you can get the players close to you and this gives you an opportunity to adjust a couple of things... It's a good thing -- this is a fact, but it leads us to split the game... It's not two half times, it's four quarter times, this is what we've got."
