Hydration breaks have become one of the most divisive issues of this World Cup. What should be a player welfare measure has instead become part of a wider argument about how the tournament is being run.
Many fans believe the stoppages are unnecessary in matches where conditions are not extreme and they are harming the game’s spirit.
FIFA has also faced accusations that the reason behind the breaks is the chance to create another commercial window.
The frustration about that matter was clear during the 1-1 draw between Czechia and South Africa on Thursday. When the first-half pause arrived, the crowd made its stance obvious.
Stadium DJ tries to cover boos during Czechia and South Africa break
The boos started as soon as the hydration break began.
The Athletic reported that the reaction was loud enough for the stadium DJ to try to drown it out with music.
It did not work. The crowd continued to boo, and the noise became louder rather than fading into the background.
It was a small moment, but it captured the mood around the issue. Supporters are not just questioning the breaks online, they are now starting to make that frustration heard inside stadiums.
Alexi Lalas defends World Cup hydration breaks
Alexi Lalas has taken the opposite view.
The former United States defender and broadcaster argued that he has no problem with hydration breaks because they benefit players and advertisers.
He also claimed soccer has changed before, pointing to substitutions, three points for a win and VAR as examples.
His most controversial prediction was that a future generation may grow up with a version of football that includes quarters.
That is exactly what worries many fans. For them, the issue is not only one break. It is the fear that football is being pushed away from its spirit.
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