Hydration Breaks Impact? World Cup Already Has 7 First-Half Stoppage Time Goals,

In Uruguay vs. Cape Verde, Canobbio scored for Uruguay at the end of first-half stoppage time. This World Cup has already seen 7 goals scored during first-half stoppage time, compared to just 8 combined in the previous two FIFA World Cups.

Goals Scored in First-Half Stoppage Time at This FIFA World Cup

USA 4-1 Paraguay (Balogun 45+5')

Germany 7-1 Curaçao (Havertz 45+5')

Portugal 1-1 DR Congo (Wissa 45+5')

England 4-2 Croatia (Musa 45+5')

Canada 6-0 Qatar (David 45+3')

Brazil 3-0 Haiti (Vinicius 45+3')

Uruguay 2-1 Cape Verde (Canobbio 45+6')

This increase is largely attributed to the new hydration breaks introduced at this FIFA World Cup. These breaks automatically add at least 3 minutes to first-half stoppage time and allow players to recover their stamina. Traditionally, first-half stoppage time is brief, leaving players fatigued, but the hydration breaks have created additional scoring opportunities late in the first half.