World Cup Reflections 003: Maybe Americans Do Know Ball
Even football purists can get behind some new radical changes
A World Cup in America was always going to be one of firsts.
Before a ball was even kicked, it made history by being the most contested World Cup due to the amount of teams on display. The benefit of this was seeing storylines like the smallest nation ever in Curaçao making the tournament. We all rode The Blue Wave and enjoyed it. However, there are two other major introductions that I believe have changed football forever.
This is the first time ever we have had the top four ranked teams still in the tournament at the semi-final phase. A small legislation change meant top ranked sides could not be on the same side of the bracket. The result? A tournament run in full of storylines, jeopardy and the best teams remaining. That is an automatic dub in my eyes.
The other addition may be contentious but I think it has worked… and that is the introduction of hydration breaks. Previously, I thought this ideas was ludicrous. It was against everything football stands for. In my mind, it disrupted the flow of games. It did not serve players and ultimately, it was something no one had asked for. I may have been wrong…
The hydration breaks have added another element to games in the USA. Having four quarters of football has presented situations in where teams have had to totally change their approach. Many nations have benefited from last minute goals whilst others have fallen short. I understand not everyone will agree with this tale but it represents a theme that has often been kept at an arms length previously. That theme being the Americanisation of football.
Having seen the pre show concerts and hydration breaks now in action, these moments are not the enemy. When implemented properly, they can be an assistance to game-day atmosphere and add to the occasion. There was a time in football where you were only allowed three substitutions but adaptation to where we are currently means you can now make five within regulation time.
I do not agree about the guise it was brought in under. For instance, seeing hydration breaks in games where it rained or stadiums that had AC was particularly hilarious. But that is why I believe if we were not decieved about what this break was, the backlash may not have been as potent.
I envisage a world where these breaks could more beneficial than they are detrimental. Major not at club level, but at international showcases like a World Cup. Do not be surprised if you see the pop up again in four years.
Key Takeaway: Change is the ingredient of life. Just because we have done things the same way forever, doesn’t mean we can’t try something new tomorrow. It is important to be transparent with what you are trying to achieve with said change, but let’s not be completely shut off to new ideas. They could have a big impact.