Schweinsteiger Questions Water Breaks and Pitch Sprinklers at Canada-Bosnia Match

During Friday’s 1-1 draw between Canada and Bosnia in Toronto, the stadium sprinklers were turned on during the breaks to water the grass. Former Germany star and 2014 World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger, now a World Cup pundit, said he was surprised not only by the watering but also by FIFA’s decision to require water breaks in every match.

Speaking to presenter Esther Sedlaczek, Schweinsteiger argued the breaks were unnecessary in Toronto’s conditions. He said, "These water breaks are unnecessary. It is not 40 degrees here and not 100 percent humidity. So why have a break? If it were 50 degrees, of course breaks would be needed. But like this? It is somewhat questionable, especially when the weather is actually good."

The match was played in ideal weather, with 25 degrees Celsius, pleasant sunshine and only 48 percent humidity. FIFA has decided that every World Cup match will include two water breaks, one in each half, to keep conditions equal across games.

Schweinsteiger also said watering the field changes the game itself, not just the flow. "What is also significant is that they water the grass. That changes a lot. The ball slides faster and as a player you have to readjust. A few minutes earlier the ball may not have moved so quickly, and after the break it suddenly flies. I noticed that the passing game after the water breaks was quite stuttered. I do not think it is a good idea to wet the pitch in the middle of the game," he said.