Virgil van Dijk has criticised FIFA's decision to make hydration breaks mandatory in all 104 World Cup matches. The Liverpool captain scored as the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener against Japan on Sunday. The game was played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a venue with air conditioning. Yet at the midway point of both halves, the teams came over to the touchline for a three-minute hydration break.
If Van Dijk had his way, they would have just carried on playing. "Hydration breaks are really interesting... I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like," the Dutchman said. "I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great. So, if it is really hot it would be good to put them in but I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion. But I think I have said enough already on that."
Fan Frustration and Broadcast Issues
Van Dijk evidently did not want to go any further in criticising FIFA, unlike football fans. Those at home, in pubs, or in the stands have been left frustrated by the breaks, feeling as if games at the World Cup are being played in four quarters. Broadcasters have taken the opportunity to show adverts during the three-minute breaks, although ITV and the BBC have declined. During co-hosts USA's 4-1 win against Paraguay, the fourth official was seen waiting for the FIFA Broadcast Liaison to signal the restart of the match, as it was delayed by adverts.
FIFA informed broadcasters ahead of the tournament that they must return to the action 30 seconds before play resumes. However, Fox Sports flouted those guidelines in the opening game, as co-hosts Mexico beat South Africa 2-0. After going to commercials during the hydration break in the second half, Fox were still showing adverts until 10 seconds after the play had resumed. FIFA are said to have accepted Fox's explanation for their error.
What's Next?
England's opening game against Croatia also takes place in Dallas and kicks off at the same time as the Netherlands and Japan's clash (9pm UK, 3pm local). The debate over hydration breaks is likely to continue as the tournament progresses.
