Virgil van Dijk has criticised FIFA's decision to make hydration breaks mandatory in all World Cup matches. The Liverpool captain scored as the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener against Japan on Sunday.
What happened?
The game was played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a venue with air conditioning. Yet at the midway point of both halves, the teams came over to the touchline for a hydration break which lasts three minutes.
The Dutchman expressed his dissatisfaction with the breaks, stating they are 'really interesting' but not necessary in every game. He added that if it is really hot, then the breaks would be good, but it should be decided on a game-by-game basis.
Why it matters for Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk's comments come after the Netherlands' opening match, where the hydration breaks were implemented despite the air-conditioned stadium. The breaks have been met with frustration from fans, who feel that the games are being played in four quarters.
Broadcasters have taken the opportunity to show adverts during the three-minute breaks, although ITV and the BBC have declined. This has led to some delays in the restart of the match, with the fourth official waiting for the FIFA Broadcast Liaison to signal the restart.
What comes next?
FIFA has informed broadcasters that they must return to the action 30 seconds before play resumes. However, Fox Sports flouted these guidelines in the opening game, showing adverts until 10 seconds after the play had resumed.
The World Cup continues, with England's opening game against Croatia taking place in Dallas at the same time as the Netherlands and Japan's clash. Virgil van Dijk and the Netherlands will be looking to bounce back from their draw and secure a win in their next match.
The hydration breaks are set to continue throughout the tournament, despite the criticism from Van Dijk and other fans. It remains to be seen how the breaks will affect the pace of the games and the overall experience for fans.
Van Dijk's comments have sparked a debate about the necessity of the hydration breaks, with some arguing that they are essential for player safety, while others see them as an interruption to the flow of the game.
The Netherlands' next match will be closely watched, as they look to secure a win and move forward in the tournament. Virgil van Dijk will be key to their success, and his comments on the hydration breaks will be remembered as the tournament progresses.
On Sunday, the Netherlands finished their match with a 2-2 draw, a result that will be remembered as the hydration breaks were implemented. The match was played at 9pm UK time, and the result will be crucial in determining the team's fate in the tournament.
Virgil van Dijk's goal was a highlight of the match, and his comments on the hydration breaks have sparked a debate about the tournament. The World Cup continues, and the Netherlands will be looking to secure a win in their next match.