Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo has voiced his displeasure over the extended halftime break for a concert by international pop star Shakira in the final. Colombia will take on Argentina in the title clash on Sunday night. Shakira, a Colombian pop icon known for her electrifying performances at three World Cups and the 2020 Super Bowl, will be the first musical act to perform during the halftime of a Copa America final. Her performance, combined with the time needed to set up and dismantle the stage, will extend the usual 15-minute halftime to 25 minutes.
“I think it should be like any game,” Lorenzo stated through an interpreter on Saturday. “It should be the 15 minutes according to the regulations.” Lorenzo’s frustration stems from previous sanctions imposed by South America’s governing football body for halftime delays earlier in the tournament. Several teams and coaches, including Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni and Chile’s Ricardo Gareca, were penalized for their late returns to the field after halftime. Scaloni was even suspended for Argentina’s last group match against Peru and the post-match news conference.
“When we came out in the 16th minute they sanctioned us,” Lorenzo explained, “so now it turns out that there is a show and we have to come out in the 20th or 25th minute.”
Lorenzo also raised concerns about the potential impact on his players’ physical condition. “That can actually affect the physical condition of our players because they can cool down too much,” he said.
Colombia is aiming to secure its second Copa America championship, having last won the title at home in 2001. The team reached the final after defeating Uruguay in the semifinal, extending its unbeaten streak to a record 28 games—the longest current streak in men’s international soccer.
Meanwhile, Argentina, led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, is seeking a record 16th Copa America title.
Published By:
Saurabh Kumar
Published On:
Jul 14, 2024
Source link : https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/sports/football/story/copa-america-colombia-coach-upset-over-extended-half-time-shakira-show-in-final-2566619-2024-07-14
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Publish date : 2024-07-14 05:43:20
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