Marcelo Bielsa criticizes World Cup hydration breaks as unnecessary

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa expressed strong opposition to the newly implemented hydration breaks at this summer's World Cup, arguing that they disrupt the flow of the game and do not enhance player welfare. FIFA has mandated three-minute breaks at the midpoint of each half due to high temperatures in various host cities across the tournament. Bielsa believes this change alters the cultural understanding of football, claiming it detracts from the sport's essence. As his team prepares for their upcoming match against Cape Verde, Bielsa noted that Uruguay must adapt following their earlier draw with Saudi Arabia, where they struggled to convert possession into scoring opportunities. The match is set for Sunday, and the group standings remain tight, with all teams having only one point thus far.

• 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — Marcelo Bielsa blasts World Cup hydration breaks: ‘Adds nothing but takes away a lot’