Dallas: Football fans expressed their displeasure during the England vs. Croatia match as loud boos erupted in the stadium when FIFA ordered the "cooling break." Spectators were annoyed, citing that it disrupted the enjoyment of the game.
According to Thai News Agency, foreign news agencies reported that fans booed loudly during water breaks in World Cup Group L matches. The discontent was evident at both Dallas Stadium, where England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia, and in Toronto, where Ghana defeated Panama 1-0.
The three-minute water break in each half, mandated by FIFA, has been a topic of debate since its introduction at this World Cup. Although intended to assist players in coping with the hot and humid weather, some critics argue that it disrupts the game's flow. Others perceive it as a strategy to divide the game into four quarters, potentially allowing more advertising opportunities for broadcasters.