Paraguay Coach Rails Against Mandatory Cooling Breaks, Citing Disrupted Game Continuity

Paraguay's coach Gustavo Alfaro has again voiced strong opposition to the mandatory cooling breaks implemented in World Cup matches, asserting that they break the natural flow of the game. The outspoken Argentinian coach believes these hydration intervals should only be utilized in exceptional circumstances, requiring mutual agreement between the teams, to prevent matches from fragmenting into a series of distinct quarters.

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These are more than hydration breaks. I know this applies to everybody, but I like continuity. Football is continuity and continuity is broken.

Alfaro articulated his frustration during a lengthy press conference, stating that the enforced breaks undermine football's inherent continuity. He argued that such intervals should be reserved for extreme weather conditions, with prior consent from both sides. "These are more than hydration breaks. I know this applies to everybody, but I like continuity. Football is continuity and continuity is broken," he explained.

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We end up having four quarters instead of two halves.

This stance echoes his previous criticisms where he suggested the breaks cater to commercial interests and contribute to exorbitant ticket prices, which he feels alienate working-class fans. FIFA, however, maintains that the breaks are purely for sporting considerations. Alfaro elaborated that the breaks were too lengthy, hindering his team's ability to regain momentum during their 4-1 loss to the United States and disrupting their efforts to score a second goal in their win against Turkey. "We end up having four quarters instead of two halves," he lamented, contrasting it with the past where breaks were optional and agreed upon before the match.

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But now it's mandatory. We cannot discuss it.

Paraguay is set to play Australia in their final Group D match, vying for second place and a potentially easier opponent in the next round. Alfaro indicated his team would approach the game with caution and strategic tactics, acknowledging Australia's height advantage. He affirmed that reaching the next round, regardless of finishing second or third, remains the team's sole objective, driven by their commitment and spirit.

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You know, we believe in divine justice and I think at some point that needs to favour us.