Pros and cons of water breaks: Commercialism or player protection?
· Yahoo Sports
The hydration break came at just the right time for Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann in the World Cup opener against Curaçao. After the underdog's surprising equalizer, the coach used the break to reorganize his team.
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It paid off, as the German squad took a 3-1 lead by half-time and went on to win 7-1.
"The hydration break was actually a good opportunity to simply show some things on the whiteboard," Nagelsmann said after the match.
The World Cup novelty effectively turns the two halves into a four-quarter format, one that US citizens are very familiar with from other sports such as basketball and American football.
In each half, the referee is supposed to pause the game for 3 minutes after 22 minutes of play. This model was created out of concern for the players' physical strain.
However, many observers believe the break is being misused and a debate has erupted over how useful it is. What are the arguments for and against it?
Cons: Money-making scheme
For TV networks, the water breaks create additional advertising opportunities that are being exploited to the fullest. Critics accuse them of simply trying to make money.
During the opening game, broadcasters Fox even missed the restart following a commercial break. Streaming service MagentaTV has also sold all advertising slots during the breaks, according to Telekom TV chief Arnim Butzen.
The British TV network ITV expects the most commercially successful football broadcast in its history. According to Kelly Williams, managing director of advertising, ad revenue is 30% higher than during the 2024 European Championship.
In Australia, the drink breaks have their own sponsor and are called "Maccas Match Break," financed by McDonald's.
Cons: Different climate conditions
Although the World Cup is taking place in different climate zones, hydration breaks are mandatory everywhere. This is intended to ensure equal conditions for all teams.
But it also means that games are interrupted even in covered, air-conditioned stadiums, such as in Atlanta. During the match between Spain and Cape Verde, this drew boos from the stands.
"Each game should be considered on its own merits," Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said.
ARD expert and 2014 world champion Bastian Schweinsteiger also described the rule as "questionable." US coach Mauricio Pochettino would only allow water breaks “if conditions are extreme.”
Con: A mood killer
The hydration breaks sometimes have a negative effect on the atmosphere in the stadium. For instance, the Scottish fans had just started singing their unofficial World Cup anthem, "No Scotland, No Party," when the referee stopped the game aginst Haiti, abruptly halting the momentum in the stands.
Many spectators used the break to head to the concession stand or the restroom. When play resumed, the fierce atmosphere had initially dissipated, and numerous seats were still empty.
Pro: Player safety
FIFA introduced hydration breaks in response to the extreme heat at last year's Club World Cup, which took place in the United States.
Experts called for cooling breaks of at least six minutes when temperatures exceed 28 degrees Celsius. The breaks are intended to prevent potential risks such as dehydration or circulatory problems.
Due to high temperatures and, in some cases, extreme humidity, locations such as Miami and Monterrey are considered particularly challenging.
"For me, the players' health always comes first," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. Germany player Kai Havertz also sees advantages: "It gets very hot in some stadiums. That's why I think a water break is a good idea."
Pro: Tactical discussion
The hydration break is especially helpful for the coaches. This is particularly true when, like Nagelsmann, they need to make adjustments.
"I think it's good that you can make a change and the coach doesn't have to shout instructions," Germany forward Deniz Undav said.
Is it a coincidence that Brazil, Australia, Germany, or Scotland, for example, scored a goal shortly after the break?
"For me, it's more of a coaching break than a water break. That's why it's very important to me," Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said, while Austria boss Ralf Rangnick added: "We have the opportunity to address and correct a few things. Otherwise, you can hardly reach the players from the sidelines."
The match between South Korea and the Czech Republic showed just how much of an impact hydration breaks can have on the course of a game. The Czechs dominated the match early on, but lost their momentum after the break and ultimately lost 2-1.