Controversies During the World Cup

GOAL! Is what all of us heard during this summer at least once. The great football event that only happens every 4 years and unites many countries sharing the same passion for the sport took place a few months ago. Although many things went as usual, many fanatics quickly noticed the long water breaks that were taking place between matches. The water break, first introduced in the World Cup matches in the 2014 Brazil Cup, was the center of attention this year. 

PC: Unsplash

Water breaks in a 120-minute game are essential and healthy for the players, according to Humanitarian Life, but others wonder if this is not the only motive for why they were extended.

Many fans at the time created theories, such as this time being used for commercials and substitutions rather than FIFA putting it simply to maintain the stability of their players.

“This is a tactical stop. Of course it is a hydration stop, but for three minutes. The game can really change, the momentum can really change,” Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said as the breaks were rolled out in March friendly matches in North America.

It was not expanded by much, of course. The hydration break was allegedly not simply used for hydrating, but the tactical side of this made many conspire. In the football match between Mexico and Colombia, the referee called for a hydration break at an "unusual" time.

In minute 22, when the Mexican player, Santiago Jimenez, was attempting to dribble the ball across and strike, the referee blew the whistle. This timing made many fans wonder if this could have been a tactical strategy for Colombia, which could not have been done if he had called for anything else.

It is far more than true that in major events like these football matches, it is inevitable that politics would be involved, like accusations of corruption in use. Corruption has always been a major accusation in the football world, and it is no surprise that it is involved now. 

The accusations remain a major conflict, but as was said, these hydration breaks remain necessary for the players’ well-being, even if their ethics are questionable for many. 

Jon Arlord says, “Hydration helps your heart pump blood through the body, and helps to rid the body of waste. It also helps to regulate body temperature.” (USA TODAY) says when speaking about humanitarian health. Water remains a human right, and this is not up for debate.