CONMEBOL’s Decision to Add Extra Halftime Break is a Joke
By Jack Harris, 90min
Colombia head coach Nestor Lorenzo is not impressed with CONMEBOL’s decision to extend the halftime break in the 2024 Copa América final from 15 minutes to 25 minutes to accommodate a performance by Colombian pop star Shakira.
"It’s hard to understand why we can’t play with the same rules as the rest of the tournament," Lorenzo said in a pre-match press conference. "When we were late to the field in the group stage, we got sanctioned, but now that there’s a show, we can delay the start of the second half by 10 minutes. It’s not fair to either team."
The move has raised eyebrows among fans and coaches alike, with some feeling that it could give one team an unfair advantage. Lorenzo’s team will face off against Argentina on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, in a match that could be decided by extra time, as CONMEBOL has also reintroduced the 30-minute extra time period for the final.
In the group stage, coaches from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela were all suspended for one match and fined $15,000 each after their teams arrived late to the field. Lorenzo seemed to draw a connection between these incidents and CONMEBOL’s decision to add extra halftime, saying that players could get cold if they’re delayed in returning to the pitch.
Despite his concerns, Lorenzo has faith in his team’s ability to thrive against Argentina, particularly star midfielder James Rodríguez. Rodríguez has been instrumental in Colombia’s run to the final, with one goal and six assists to his name.
"We’re lucky to have him," Lorenzo said. "He’s been taking leadership of the team and has the support of his teammates. He’s been one of the best players in the tournament, and we hope he can give us a good performance on Sunday."
For his part, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez was full of praise for Rodríguez’s skills on the pitch. "We know the left foot that James has, it’s one of the best," he said.
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