MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo on Saturday criticized the possibility of an extended halftime in the Copa America final because of a performance by superstar Shakira.
“I think it should be like any other game, that the 15 minutes are in accordance with the regulations,” the strategist said at a news conference at Hard Rock Stadium a day before the title match between Colombia and Argentina. “When we came off in the 16th minute they penalized us, now it turns out there was a show and we have to come off in the 20th or 25th minute with the impact that could have on the players’ fitness, which could change.”
Lorenzo was referring to the sanctions imposed by CONMEBOL on several coaches during the Copa America because their teams arrived minutes late to the pitch after half-time. Among those punished were Argentina captain Lionel Scaloni and Chile captain Ricardo Gareca.
The sanctions prevented them from sitting on the bench for a match and from attending press conferences. Their teams also had to pay a fine.
CONMEBOL has not made an official announcement about how long the break will last, which is 15 minutes in football matches. Various reports have suggested that the Colombian’s performance will last six minutes and that at least another 14 minutes will be needed to set up and clear the stage.
Therefore, the break between the first and second halves can be extended to 20 or 25 minutes.
Shakira’s performance in front of an estimated 65,000 fans in the final is a new link between the star and sporting events. His song “Waka Waka (This is the Time for Africa)” became the anthem of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and “La La La” (Brazil 2014) was part of the soundtrack of the 2014 World Cup.
Shakira also performed “Hips Don’t Lie” at the 2006 World Cup Final in Berlin. In 2020, she was one of the stars of the Super Bowl halftime show.
Although he was upset by the prospect of an extended break, Argentine Lorenzo refrained from criticising the show itself.
“I hope you enjoy it,” he assured.
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