The mandatory 22-minute hydration breaks at the World Cup are already shaping games, allowing struggling teams to reset and completely alter match momentum. Photo: IANS
It has become one of the defining images of this Fifa World Cup.
The clock approaches the 22-minute mark, the referee blows the whistle and players from both teams make their way to the touchline for a mandatory drinks break.
What was introduced as a player welfare measure to combat the heat and humidity across Mexico, Canada and the US has quickly evolved into something far more influential.
Just one round of matches into the tournament, the hydration breaks are already shaping games.
