On the pitch hasn't been short of drama at the start of this World Cup but it seems like off the pitch aren't too far behind.
The humid weather in the host nations were always going to be a factor in games although it seems like the players aren't happy with FIFA's way of dealing with it.
Following a 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk has taken aim at mandatory rules: the three-minute hydration break.
The question is, is it actually about safety or is it just a broadcaster cash grab?
Why FIFA's World Cup Hydration Breaks Are Facing Criticism
The Group F opener was played inside the massive AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Despite the stadium's roof being closed and the environment being completely air-conditioned and climate-controlled, officials still enforced a mandatory hydration stoppage in both halves of the game.
Instead of just grabbing a quick drink, the break essentially brought the match to a dead halt. Broadcasters used the time to cut straight to commercial breaks, leaving fans watching at home frustrated by the sudden interruption to the action.
Fans were worried about a World Cup in the US having an influence on the amount of adverts that get squeezed in. It's a game of two halves, not four quarters.
The tension between FIFA and fans has already reached a boiling point. During the opening game between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, Fox Sports was still showing adverts until 10 seconds after play had actually resumed. In another incident during the USA's 4-1 win against Paraguay, the fourth official was seen actively delaying the restart of the match, waiting for the FIFA Broadcast Liaison to signal that the commercial breaks had finished.
While UK broadcasters like ITV and the BBC have declined to show adverts during these breaks, the global broadcast model seems entirely focused on monetization. The game we love is on the verge of being a difficult watch if this becomes common for international tournaments.
Van Dijk Questions FIFA's Approach
Van Dijk, who opened the scoring, did not hold back his thoughts during his post-match interviews.
"I think hydration breaks are really interesting," the Liverpool skipper said. "I was obviously watching almost all of the games up until today. I think every time going to commercials is a bit... not really something that I like. I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great."
Although not fully opposed to drinks breaks in extreme heat, the Dutch captain thinks they should decide on a game by game basis rather than doing the same for every match.
How Hydration Breaks Could Influence Matches
The stoppages killed the momentum of this end to end game in the second half. After a goalless first half, Van Dijk nodded the Dutch ahead, only for Keito Nakamura to quickly level the score. Crysencio Summerville then restored the lead with a beautiful curled effort.
Just when the Netherlands looked to be taking full control, the second-half hydration break completely disrupted their momentum. Japan regrouped, fought back, and secured a dramatic 88th-minute equaliser through Daichi Kamada to keep the group wide open.
As the tournament progresses, the backlash against these long breaks is only going to grow louder.
