Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo has criticised the extended half-time break for Sunday night’s Copa America final against Argentina to allow Shakira to perform.
Shakira is the first musical act to perform during halftime of the Copa America final.
The Colombian pop star, former partner of Barcelona and Spain star defender Gerard Pique, has appeared at three World Cups and the 2020 Super Bowl.
Given her performance and the time it takes to prepare and clear the field for the second half, the normal 15-minute half-time break will be extended to 25 minutes during the match between Argentina and Colombia.
“I think it has to be a match like any other,” Lorenzo said through an interpreter on Saturday.
Nestor Lorenzo not happy with extended half-time during Copa America final
Shakira will perform after the first half, with players having to wait 25 minutes to resume playing
“According to the rules it should be 15 minutes.”
Lorenzo was referring to the sanctions imposed earlier in the tournament by the South American federation for delaying half-time.
Several organizations and coaches were penalized for their teams returning to the field late in the second half, including Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni and Chile’s Ricardo Gareca.
Scaloni was suspended for Argentina’s final group match against Peru and the post-match press conference.
“When we came on the pitch in the 16th minute we got a penalty,” Lorenzo said, “so now it’s a show and we have to go on the pitch in the 20th or 25th minute.”
Lionel Messi will attempt to lead Argentina to a record 16th Copa America title on Sunday
Lorenzo was also concerned about the potential impact of the extended rest period on the players.
“That can actually have consequences for the physical condition of our players, because they cool down too much,” he said.
Colombia are hoping for a second Copa America title after winning the title on home soil in 2001.
The team defeated Uruguay in the semi-finals to advance to a record 28 games, the longest such run in men’s international football.
Argentina hopes to win a record 16th Copa America title with Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.