Defending champions Argetina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni believes water breaks are fragmenting the game in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Players are given a hydration break at the half-way stage of both halves as the match are being played in scorching heat.
“There are no easy games, especially in the group stage,” Scaloni told reporters Sunday. “Historically, but now also with the 48-team format, the group stage has always been hard. Now with the conditions of the heat and the hydration break. The game is stopped constantly, perhaps it gives a hand to the weaker team because they have time to fix things. They have time to adjust.
“In the end, it’s done to have more time, but it fragments the game. It’s four quarters then in the halftime we have just three minutes to talk to players between them coming in and going back [on the field]. But it’s done.”
FIFA added a three-minute hydration break and they are taken irrespective of the weather conditions.
“The ‘four-period’ concept is real. Between the time players arrive and leave, we only have three-and-a-half minutes at halftime to talk to them,” Scaloni added. “That’s how it’s done, and here we are. Whatever plans I have in mind can change based on what happens during those 22 or 23 minutes. We have attacking players on the pitch, plus our bench options. We look for solutions, the same things you’d do during a normal halftime.
“Perhaps I was misleading when I mentioned it benefiting the weaker team, it also helps the attacking side make corrections. It feels strange adapting to this. Eventually, it will become the norm, just like any other improvement. For now, it feels unusual because the flow is so broken up. We try to analyze and make adjustments. Matches unfold in different ways, even within that first half alone. I’m sure it will improve.”
Meanwhile, Argentina registered a comprehensive 3-0 win against Algeria to begin their World Cup title defense on a high after Lionel Messi scored his maiden World Cup hat-trick.
The reigning champions will face Austria on Monday afternoon at AT&T Stadium.
