Wayne Rooney issued a damning verdict of the World Cup final half-time show after the star-studded spectacle in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The former England forward gave a brutal opinion on the controversial show, which featured Madonna, Burna Boy, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and The Muppets, orchestrated by Coldplay's Chris Martin.
Rooney's blunt assessment
In the BBC studio after the show, presenter Gabby Logan asked pundits for their highlights. Micah Richards and Joe Hart praised Shakira and Burna Boy, and Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario driving out Madonna. However, Rooney was far more critical. 'I'm going to be honest, when it finished,' the former Manchester United and England striker said. 'I like a lot of these artists, but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.'
Star-studded spectacle at MetLife Stadium
The half-time show took place at the interval of Spain vs Argentina, with the score goalless at the break. Madonna opened the show, accompanied by backup dancers and World Cup legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario, as she walked onto the touchline. The show had been heavily criticized for potentially disrupting the game, especially given FIFA's rule that interval shows must be limited to 15 minutes.
Match action and injury blow
The first half was cagey with few clear chances. Argentina suffered a major injury blow when Lisandro Martinez was forced off just before half-time, a concern for Rooney's former club Manchester United.
