FANS have been left fuming after cooling breaks were used in Germany’s 7-1 thumping of World Cup newbies Curacao.
The four-time winners were in top form as they put at the tournament.
Cooling breaks were used during Germany’s win over Curacao Credit: Getty
The Houston Stadium had its roof shut and air conditioning on Credit: Reuters
The match was played at the Houston Stadium in Texas was featured the now regular cooling breaks in each half.
Temperatures outside the ground were above 30 degrees but due to heavy rain the roof was closed.
This allowed for AIR CONDITIONING to be used to keep the inside of the stadium at a cooler temperature.
Despite this, the cooling breaks of three minutes in each half were still taken, much to the anger of fans watching on.
Many took to social media to vent their frustration at seeing the action broken up.
One posted: “In a domed stadium, with climate control, ‘hydration break’.
“They’ve already introduced it and it’s here to stay: divided into quarters, it started in this World Cup.”
A second wrote: “Air-conditioned stadium with a roof on does not require a ‘hydration break’. We all know what this nonsense is.”
New World Cup 2026 rules
FIFA confirmed several new rules coming into play for the World Cup 2026.
They are:
- Outfield players cannot go to technical areas while goalkeeper getting treatment
- Five-second countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins
- Ten-second substitutions – or else one-minute sub entry delay
- One minute off field after outfield players get treatment
- Three-minute hydration breaks in each half
- VAR can intervene over fouls before ball in play for goals, penalties and disciplinary sanctions
- VAR can correct wrongly-awarded yellow cards and corners
- Red cards for covering mouth in confrontational talk
- Red cards for walking off pitch in protest
A third commented: “Hydration break after 22 minutes in a climate controlled stadium with the roof closed and temps at 23 degrees C.
“Just so we have some adverts.”
A fourth said: “Hoping things improve, but too many things not for me at this World Cup.
“Just not enjoying it at all atm…top of that list is a three min Hydration (tactical) break in an indoor air con stadium. Four-quarter football is here.”
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Another added: “, ranked 82nd in the world, have , ranked 10th, on the ropes… but let’s stop for a “hydration break” in an air-conditioned stadium.
“What an absolute farce.”
Germany took an early lead against the World Cup debutants through Felix Nmecha.
However, they were stunned as Curacao levelled the match through midfielder Livano Comenencia.
But the quality of ‘s side shone through as they went on to score SIX more times to claim a statement win.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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