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France vs. Iraq Soccer Match Delayed Over Two Hours by Severe Weather
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Sports

France vs. Iraq Soccer Match Delayed Over Two Hours by Severe Weather

From BBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A soccer match between France and Iraq was delayed for over two hours due to severe weather, including heavy rain and thunderstorms.
  • The delay caused significant emotional and mental strain on players and staff, who had to maintain focus in the locker room.
  • France ultimately won the match 3-0, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice, securing their place in the knockout stages.

A soccer match between France and Iraq in Philadelphia was significantly disrupted by a weather delay lasting over two hours, forcing players, coaches, and fans to endure a "mentally draining" wait. The game, which began at 17:00 local time, finally concluded at 20:47 after adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and the threat of thunderstorms, prompted safety concerns.

Canadian referee Drew Fischer halted the match at half-time with France leading 1-0. The delay, which began at 17:49, lasted until 20:00 when it was deemed safe to resume play. This extended interruption meant there was no hydration break in the second half and only two minutes of added time at the end of the match.

We've been through an awful lot tonight.

— Stadium announcerThe stadium announcer commented during the prolonged weather delay.

France captain Kylian Mbappe described the experience as emotionally and mentally taxing. "Staying in the dressing room for an hour and a half - almost two hours - while maintaining focus is very difficult," he said. "The players made a huge effort, as did the staff."

It was a very long evening. We spent a lot of time waiting. It's emotionally and mentally draining because we had to stay fully focused and engaged in the dressing room.

— Kylian MbappeThe French captain described the impact of the lengthy weather delay on the team.

France manager Didier Deschamps, while joking about playing cards during the delay, acknowledged the unusual circumstances. "It's a question of safety. You cannot fight against the rain and lightning," he stated. "These are very special circumstances and I do hope they don't happen again. It was important to take no risks."

This was the first match at the World Cup to be stopped due to weather. FIFA adheres to local authorities' advice on adverse weather, using recommendations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. A game must be stopped if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium.

It's a question of safety. You cannot fight against the rain and lightning.

— Didier DeschampsThe French manager commented on the necessity of the weather delay.

Despite the lengthy delay, France went on to secure a 3-0 victory, with Mbappe scoring a brace on his 100th international appearance. This win guaranteed France a spot in the knockout stages of the tournament.

These are very special circumstances and I do hope they don't happen again. It was important to take no risks.

— Didier DeschampsDidier Deschamps reflected on the unusual weather delay during the match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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