Colombia’s head coach, Néstor Lorenzo,concert by Colombian pop star Shakira.
has expressed reservations about the extended halftime break planned for the upcoming Copa America final against Argentina. The reason? A high-profile concert by Colombian pop star Shakira.
While acknowledging Shakira’s dora global appeal, Lorenzo is concerned that the extended break, reportedly stretching from the usual 15 minutes to 25 minutes, could disrupt his team’s momentum. He highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and physical conditioning during halftime, especially in a high-stakes final.
But Colombia’s head coach, Nestor Lorenzo, criticized CONMEBOL for the decision, which will extend halftime from the normal 15 minutes to 25 minutes for the concert.
“I hope you enjoy, Shakira is great,” Lorenzo said on Saturday. “For a final, when the rules change for both teams, bad pitches for both or same weather for both, then I can’t say if its bad or if it favors one side.
“It’s important to approach the final like any other game,” Lorenzo stated through an interpreter. “Our focus remains on winning the Copa America, and any disruptions during the match need careful consideration.”
Lorenzo’s comments raise an interesting point about balancing entertainment with competitive integrity. While a halftime show adds spectacle to the occasion, some coaches prioritize the traditional halftime routine for tactical adjustments and player recovery.
It will be interesting to see how Colombia manages the extended break and whether Shakira’s electrifying performance energizes the fans or throws a wrench into their game plan.