Controversial hydration break scrapped in France vs Iraq game as FIFA issues blunt statement
While this World Cup has already provided us with lots of entertaining fixtures, there's one thing which fans simply can't wrap their heads around.
It's not just the baffling approach when it comes to visas, which has seen players, staff and referees denied entry, or the sanctions imposed on Iran due to the conflict in the Middle East.
It's not even the new rules that we're seeing on the pitch, which caught out former Newcastle United man Miguel Almiron when he was sent off for covering his mouth while speaking.
No, it's the hydration breaks which have seemingly p*ssed off the fans the most throughout the tournament, with many left frustrated when the game pauses mid-way between each half, which has already shown to be a factor in the tempo and excitement of games.
Advert
However, they were mercifully scrapped in the second-half of France's 3-0 win against Iraq yesterday, although it seems as if that was only down to the weather conditions which caused a delay for over two hours at the Philadelphia Stadium.
The game had been in doubt before kick-off due to storms and torrential rain arrived in the second-half causing the significant delay, before play was finally resumed and further goals from Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe continued Les Blues' perfect start to the tournament.
A FIFA spokesperson simply confirmed: "No hydration break in the second half."
Much like the fans watching in stadiums and on TV, it seems as if the players aren't that keen on the hydration breaks, with Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk speaking out against them earlier in the tournament.
He said: "Hydration breaks are a bit interesting, because I was obviously watching almost all the games up until today, and 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, in my opinion. But I think I've said enough already for that."
However, it seems as if the managers might well be enjoying the opportunity to have an impromptu tactical discussion before half-time to make some important changes, and we've seen a number of teams score shortly after the brief break throughout the tournament.
France boss Didier Deschamps 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 as regards the 22-23 mins of game that just took place.
"With the high temperatures, it's important to be able to give this extra opportunity, two opportunities to the head coach. It's a good thing -- this is a fact, but it leads us to split the game and if you're in a strong position, following this break you have to start playing again. But we adapt to this, even in our prep work we've anticipated this.
"It's not two half times its four quarter times, this is what we've got, what's been decided, so the players and the coaches adapt to this new reality, but you get to speak an extra two times."
Hopefully this very American concept of 'quarters' is never seen again after the World Cup, especially when the air conditioned stadiums make the argument of temperatures being too hot completely moot.
But sadly, it seems as if yesterday was just an exemption, and we can expect to see another two when England return to action against Ghana tonight.
How much does it cost to attend the World Cup?
Football fans wanting to watch the games in person better have deep pockets. Here’s what flights, accommodation, tickets and food and drink will cost England supporters:
Getting there
If you fancied catching England’s opening game against Croatia next Wednesday (17 June), a return flight from London to Dallas, Texas would set you back around £700, according to Skyscanner.
The second and third games are a little cheaper to get to - £400 if you want to watch the Three Lions go up against Ghana in Boston on 23 June, and £500 to see them play Panama in New York on 27 June.
But now you need somewhere to stay.
Hotel costs
NBC has crunched the numbers on hotels, looking at the average for the five cheapest hotels within 15 miles of the station as of late last month.
In Atlanta for the opening match, the average hotel room is £350 for two nights, and that’s on the cheap side.
A hotel to watch the second game in the group stages in Boston will cost £725, and the third in New York will be £485.
Now to get your ticket for the game…
Ticket prices
Tickets for the opening game against Croatia are still available and going from £430, via Seatpick.
England vs Ghana will set you back at least £330, and the match against Panama £250.
I bet all that number crunching has made you thirsty…
Food and drink prices at the World Cup
Unlike in the UK, football fans are allowed to drink in the stands in the US, Canada and Mexico - if they’re made of money, that is.
Prices at a warm-up match between England and New Zealand at the Raymond James stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday (6 June) might give an indication of what to expect in the World Cup proper, which is bad news for fans.
A large beer was advertised at $18.75 (£13.99), while just a bottle of water was priced at $7.50 (£5.60).
Meanwhile, according to Football Ground Guide, a basic meal and a beer will set you back $23.88 (£17.83) at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where England’s first game will take place.
For England’s second game at the Boston Stadium (also known as the Gillette Stadium), according to Football 2026 hot dogs are going from £6.30, while burgers will set you back £10.45.
Meanwhile, a basic meal and a beer at the MetLife stadium for England’s match against Panama will cost you £24.87.
James Moorhouse