World Cup's weirdest week yet: Ref cramp, Cooler Warz & everything else

During the World Cup, Backheeled will examine the tournament’s weird, heartwarming, and unexpected moments. After the second round of group stage fixtures, here’s what stood out.

The mandatory hydration breaks in the World Cup suck eggs, and everyone knows it. As opposed to being a necessary evil only used when necessary to combat legitimate concerns about the heat and humidity parts of the U.S. and Mexico see in the summer, the specter of these breaks even in much cooler climes and in indoor, air-conditioned stadiums have made it clear they’re mostly just a cynical ploy for ad revenue.

One match, however, dared to ask a dangerous question: what if we actually need more hydration breaks? Seemed like referee Felix Zwayer could’ve used another, in my professional opinion.