The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the results of the analysis on the impact of hydration breaks on the flow of the game, suggesting that this practice may be discontinued after the World Cup concludes.
These conclusions were voiced by Arsène Wenger, head of FIFA's football development department. He acknowledged the dissatisfaction of some fans who believe that hydration breaks unnecessarily interrupt the game. When asked whether there was data confirming that such breaks improve player abilities or match dynamics, Wenger gave an unequivocal negative answer.
The former Arsenal coach told reporters: 'Sometimes people didn't like it, and we must analyze the impact of this after the World Cup.' He added that, in his opinion, it did not affect the competition results, but stressed that the goal is to serve football spectators, and conclusions will be drawn after the tournament ends.
Previously, the decision to hold a hydration break rested with the referees if they deemed the weather too hot. Now, it has become a mandatory rule for all matches, even those played in moderate conditions. For example, in the Egypt versus Iran match, players took a hydration break when the temperature on the field was only 16 degrees Celsius. Previously, one fan commented, stating: 'If they take a hydration break tonight, it will be very funny because it is actually very cold.'
Thus, the question remains open: whether FIFA will decide to keep hydration breaks as a mandatory rule or return control over them to the refereeing corps.
The final match of the World Championship concluded, marking the end of the tournament battles. In it, the national teams of Spain, the reigning European champion, and Argentina, the holder of the Copa América title, faced each other.
The competition was under the complete control of the Spanish team. During the game, dubbed 'Red Fury,' more than twenty shots were taken, and every shot was aimed at Emiliano Martínez. The main part of the match passed without any goals, which necessitated moving to extra time.
In the 106th minute, Ferran Torres managed to score a goal, opening the scoring. This goal remained the only one in the match until its conclusion, allowing Spain to win the World Championship title.
Spain defeated Argentina, who played with ten men, thanks to Ferran Torres' goal in extra time. This goal allowed 'La Roja' to win the match 1-0 and secure their second World Cup.
The goal that proved decisive in the game was scored by Torres early in the second period of extra time. He finished a combination following a brilliant deflection from Nico Williams.
The second half of the match saw changes when midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Pau Kubarsi during the break of the second half. Spain dominated throughout the entire match.
Spain managed to defeat Argentina 1-0, thereby winning their second FIFA World Cup title. The final match between the two teams was tense and lasted 125 minutes.
The final match took place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. The match attracted enormous attention from fans, especially due to the confrontation between Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal, where a recognized legend met an emerging young star.
Leading up to the final, Argentina demonstrated impressive play, managing to stage a comeback with a score of 2-1 against England in the semi-final. As for Spain, this was their first time reaching the World Cup final since their triumph in 2010, having defeated France 2-0 thanks to confident play.
