The so-called “Hydration-Breaks” are not part of English or European football. As the US is not a footballing country – in my view – it should not be permitted to hold one of the greatest tournaments in the world, but here we are. I remember in the past the US hosts demanding that “adverts” be placed continuously throughout the 90-minute game (via the TV coverage) – something that is completely alien to the footballing world. FIFA threatened to withdraw and the US threatened to pull-out – and around it went. With today’s technology, the US are able to fee-in endless adverts to US citizens – whilst those watching outside the US see only the game. This is exactly what the “Hydration-Breaks” are about. Whilst we in England get to pointlessly watch the players “drink water” for a minute or two (completely halting the flow of play) – US citizens are fed a slew of pointless and unrelated adverts across their screens – an experience they are used to in the US when it comes to domestic sport. Apparently, advertising in the US is responsible for the average American not possessing a flow of consciousness that can focus on a single subject for any duration of time. Normally, players drink water at the half-time break (15-minutes) situated between the first-half (of 45-minutes) and the second-half (of 45-minutes). As football is traditionally a winter sport in the UK – hot weather is usually not an issue. However, where British teams have had to play in the heat abroad – water bottles are often placed near the side-line. Players drink quickly during natural breaks in the game – not during specific breaks. Therefore, “Hydration-Breaks” are a cynical attempt by the US to penetrate their hideous form of capitalism into the interior of the footballing game. What matters for them is commerce – not skill. The audience exists not to understand the game – but merely to “consume” in an ignorant manner. In fact, the more ignorant the better – as such a state allows the individual to be parted from their money in a much easier manner. Coaches, understanding the artificial nature of these breaks – are using them as unusual “half-times” where players can re-group and alter their shape or change their approach. All this has nothing to do with genuine football and is a contrivance. Indeed, it is altering the internal structure of the game. Finally, as there is a three-minute break during each-half – the usual 45-minute stanza is artificially extended to 48-minutes. When expected stoppages are added – this means each half is often lasting over 50-minutes! Once the World Cup has left the US – these breaks should be dead and buried.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 