Virgil van Dijk has voiced his opposition to FIFA's ruling making hydration breaks compulsory across all 104 World Cup games. Netherlands captain Van Dijk got on the scoresheet as Ronald Koeman's side were held to a 2-2 draw in their Group F opener against Japan on Sunday.
The match was staged at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a venue equipped with air conditioning. Yet at the halfway point of both halves, players were summoned to the touchline for a three-minute hydration break.
Given the choice, however, Van Dijk would have preferred to play straight through. "Hydration breaks are really interesting... I think every time going to commercials is a bit, not really something that I like," the Dutchman said, via The Mirror .
Van Dijk scored the Netherlands' opener in their 2-2 draw with Japan -Credit:ARIC BECKER, AFP via Getty Images
"I think for the neutral watchers on TV it is also not great. So, if it is really hot it would be good to put them in but I think you have to look at it in every game, separately, in my opinion. But I think I have said enough already on that."
Van Dijk was clearly reluctant to push his criticism of FIFA any further - unlike the supporters watching on. Fans at home, in bars, or in the stadium have grown increasingly frustrated with the interruptions, with many feeling World Cup matches are being played out in four quarters.
Television broadcasters have seized on the three-minute stoppages to air commercials. During co-hosts USA's 4-1 victory over Paraguay , the fourth official was spotted waiting for the FIFA Broadcast Liaison to give the green light to resume play, as the restart was held up by commercials.
FIFA notified broadcasters prior to the tournament that they were required to return to live coverage 30 seconds before play restarts. However, Fox Sports violated those guidelines during the opening fixture, as co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0.
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Having cut to commercials during the second-half hydration break, Fox continued airing advertisements until 10 seconds after play had already resumed. FIFA is reported to have accepted Fox's explanation for the mistake.
England 's opening group game against Croatia is also scheduled in Dallas, kicking off at the same time as the Netherlands and Japan's clash (4pm ET).
