The upcoming Copa America final is generating buzz not just for the highly anticipated match between Argentina and Colombia, but also for a planned halftime show that has sparked controversy. Colombia’s head coach, Nestor Lorenzo, has voiced his concerns regarding the unprecedented halftime entertainment scheduled for Sunday’s final.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, Copa America will feature a halftime show, headlined by global superstar Shakira. This performance, set to take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, is expected to extend the usual halftime break to a considerable 25 minutes, factoring in setup and breakdown time.
This extended intermission is noteworthy, especially when contrasted with typical soccer match regulations. Halftime shows are common in American football, most notably the NFL Super Bowl, where breaks can stretch to 30 minutes or longer. Shakira herself is no stranger to this venue, having performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in Miami in 2020.
However, longer halftime breaks have already been a point of contention at this summer’s Copa America. Several national associations and coaches, including Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, have faced fines and even bans for violating CONMEBOL regulations regarding timely restarts after halftime. These penalties were issued for teams returning to the pitch later than permitted.
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Lorenzo’s apprehension stems from the potential repercussions of a significantly prolonged halftime on player fitness and match dynamics. He questioned the fairness of altering established rules for such a crucial game.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Saturday, Lorenzo articulated his concerns: “When rules are suddenly changed for both teams, like a poor pitch affecting everyone equally, or a consistent halftime duration, it’s harder to judge advantage or disadvantage. Frankly, I find this situation puzzling.”
He emphasized the standard 15-minute halftime, citing previous fines for exceeding even a 16-minute break. “The final’s halftime should be 15 minutes, as per regulations. We’ve been penalized for returning to the field at 16 minutes. Now, due to a concert, we’re looking at a 20 to 25-minute interval.”
Lorenzo elaborated on the physiological impact of extended breaks: “This could impact the players’ physical condition. They risk cooling down excessively. The recovery minutes in the locker room are vital… People often underestimate the physical demands at this elite level.”
He conceded the change would affect both teams equally but reiterated his bewilderment. “Again, this applies to both teams. I initially heard rumors yesterday and wasn’t sure of their validity. I was reassured it wasn’t a concern, but today it’s confirmed.”
Colombia aims to secure only its second Copa America title, while Argentina is vying for a record-breaking 16th victory, which would surpass their current tie with Uruguay. The focus now shifts to whether this unprecedented halftime show and its extended break will influence the highly anticipated final.
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