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Hilarious! This unexpected comment by Vedran Ješe made everyone laugh in the HRT studio

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Former footballer Vedran Ješe made a humorous comment about Justin Bieber's performance during the World Cup final halftime show.
  • The halftime show, featuring stars like Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, drew mixed reactions, with some criticizing its commercialization of football.
  • While many fans enjoyed the spectacle, traditionalists argued that such entertainment detracts from the sport's integrity.

The halftime show at the World Cup final, a lavish production inspired by the Super Bowl, featured a star-studded lineup including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber. This marked FIFA's first-ever elaborate halftime program.

During a broadcast on HRT's "Americana" program, former footballer and current sports analyst Vedran Ješe offered a witty critique of Justin Bieber's performance. Ješe remarked, "It's better to have Bieber on your conscience than at a concert," eliciting laughter from his fellow studio guests. His comment perfectly encapsulated the divided opinions surrounding FIFA's ambitious halftime entertainment.

While millions of fans worldwide enthusiastically watched the performances, football purists expressed dismay. A primary criticism focused on the extended break, which caused players from Spain and Argentina to cool down in the locker rooms. The consensus online was that "a football final is not a concert," with many believing such elaborate shows undermine the sport's tradition and lead to excessive commercialization.

Some viewers questioned the authenticity of the event, with comments suggesting the entire spectacle resembled artificial intelligence generation. The controversy was further fueled by accusations of lip-syncing directed at Madonna and Shakira. Negative comments flooded social media, with many pleading for such halftime shows to never be repeated at future World Cups.

Despite the backlash, the show did have its supporters. One comment praised FIFA for the lineup, stating, "Madonna on the verge of 70, Korean Backstreet Boys, Justin Bieber and Shakira, Ted Lasso... FIFA killed it with this halftime show." Shakira's performance of the official championship anthem "Waka Waka" was hailed by some as the evening's highlight. An unexpected sketch featuring Ted Lasso added a touch of humor, and the event also included a humanitarian element, raising funds for children's education in collaboration with Global Citizen.

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Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.