New Jersey hosts World Cup final half-time show amid player welfare concerns
World Cup Final Half-Time Extravaganza
The World Cup final in New Jersey featured a half-time show, a first for the tournament, with performances from artists including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber. This event, described by Fifa as a “landmark celebration at the intersection of sport, music and global impact,” extended the break to approximately 25 minutes. This duration exceeds the International Football Association Board (Ifab) guideline of a maximum 15-minute stoppage for players.
The show’s curator was Chris Martin of Coldplay, and it also featured Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Other performers included Kermit and Miss Piggy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel with musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, the dance troupe Ghetto Kids, Emmanuel Kelly, and the PS 22 Chorus. The artists reportedly performed for charity, with the event raising money for an education fund.
The decision to hold such an elaborate half-time show has drawn varied reactions. James Massing of Live Nation, involved in producing the show, suggested that sporting events need to evolve to compete with other live experiences like museums or theatre. He believes that musical performances can make a final feel more significant, citing the energy created by The Killers performing before a Uefa Champions League final.
Player Welfare and Fan Reactions
Concerns have been raised regarding the extended half-time break and its potential impact on player welfare. Ifab has previously rejected proposals for longer half-times due to worries about player inactivity leading to injuries as muscles cool down. Football content creator Ellis Platten expressed his apprehension, noting that players might need substitutions due to the extended break. He questioned the necessity of such additions to an event that is already the most-watched globally.
Betty Glover, a sports broadcaster who covered the World Cup across the US, also expressed doubts about the necessity of a half-time show for football. She observed that the tournament this year felt very American, with numerous advertisements and less analytical content. Despite concerns, Massing affirmed that player welfare is a fundamental consideration and that there is no compromise on the sport’s integrity.
The half-time show at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey followed a similar event at last year’s Club World Cup final, which also took place in New Jersey and featured live music from artists including Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems. This trend suggests a potential shift towards incorporating more musical performances into major sporting events, a practice common in American football’s Super Bowl since 1967.
Global Impact and Future Implications
The integration of celebrities has been a consistent feature throughout this North American World Cup, with notable figures like Carlos Alcaraz, Serena Williams, and Zidane appearing on screen during the half-time show. Ronaldo (the Brazilian one) and Ronaldinho were also part of the show, driving a car onto the field with Madonna.
In Buenos Aires, fans watched the final on screens, experiencing broadcast delays that sometimes led to spoilers. Carla Lucía del Pardo, a pastry chef, mentioned watching the game with commentary on her phone to gain a few seconds. The half-time show, lasting just over 27 minutes, included about 11 minutes of actual performance, with the remaining time dedicated to setting up and dismantling the stage.
The debate continues on whether these elaborate shows enhance the World Cup final experience or distract from the sport itself. The show featured Animal on drums during “Seven Nation Army” and BTS performing “Dynamite.”
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Source: theguardian.com
