Scaloni criticizes hydration breaks for disrupting game flow

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 5:11 AM

Last updated Jun 22, 2026

Scaloni criticizes hydration breaks for disrupting game flow
Summary

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expressed concerns about the newly-introduced hydration breaks at the World Cup, stating they fragment gameplay and alter the match's flow. As the world champions prepare for their second group stage match against Austria, Scaloni emphasized that adapting to this change feels unusual. The hydration breaks were implemented to protect players in extreme heat, requiring a three-minute pause after 22 minutes of play. Argentina currently tops Group J, tied on three points with Austria.

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By the Numbers
  • Scaloni mentions no easy games at the World Cup.
  • Hydration breaks are designed to help players cope with heat.
  • Argentina prepares to face Austria after a 3-0 win against Algeria.
  • Both Argentina and Austria are on three points in Group J.
Latest Updates
  • 5:11 AMYahoo SportsArgentina's Scaloni: Hydration breaks fragments the game
What they're saying
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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that "there are no easy games" at the World Cup and listed the newly-introduced hydration break as one of the things that make the conditions even more difficult. The world champions are preparing for their second group stage match against Austria on Monday after kicking off the tournament with Lionel Messi's hat-trick in the 3-0 win against Algeria.

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