Switzerland boss Murat Yakin has admitted using the hydration break tactically was a pre-determined plan, as he conceded he used the second-half pause to time his substitutes because "then the opponent can't react."
Switzerland's Late Surge
The Swiss scored four times in the final 16 minutes, with all goals coming after the second hydration break of the game. A triple substitution helped turn the match in their favour, resulting in a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas both came off the bench, with Manzambi scoring twice and Vargas adding a goal and an assist. Yakin admitted the FIFA-imposed pause was always on his mind as he sought to change the course of the game.
He said: "It was very important that after the second hydration break, we would change a few things, because then the opponent can't react immediately. Maybe that was the edge we had. We brought in very fast players, and our opponent couldn't run with them, and it opened up gaps on the edge. That was my strategy. I waited until the break."
Growing Frustration
Supporters inside stadiums have begun booing the hydration breaks, which have become an increasing talking point. They have effectively turned matches into quarters rather than halves, aligning more with US sports and their commercial market.
Nevertheless, it worked in Switzerland's favour on this occasion. Goalscorer Manzambi said: "This is probably the best moment of my career so far. We knew we didn't start the match in the best way, but we had to be patient. We know we're a good team, and we showed it."
Group Stage Implications
Switzerland began their World Cup with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Qatar last week, but this win over their European counterparts has put them in prime position to qualify for the knockouts, likely as one of the top two sides in their group.
Gary Neville was among those to flag that the hydration breaks are being used for other means. "I think FIFA are going to have to act quite quickly now," he said. "I think if it's a drinks break, there is going to have to be an element of: the coaches have got to stay on the bench, you can't bring tactics boards out. I think there was one game they actually had a screen where they showed a set-piece! And then there was a tactics board up."
