Paraguay’s national football team coach, Gustavo Alfaro, has voiced strong opposition to the mandatory cooling breaks implemented during the World Cup. Alfaro argues these scheduled breaks interrupt the natural flow of the game, effectively dividing matches into four distinct segments. He believes the breaks should be reserved for exceptional circumstances, rather than being automatically enforced. The coach expressed concern that the imposed stoppages fundamentally alter the dynamic and continuity of play. Alfaro fears the breaks detract from the traditional rhythm of football and impact the competitive integrity of matches. He advocates for allowing referees to determine when hydration breaks are genuinely needed based on specific conditions and player welfare. His comments highlight a growing debate regarding the balance between player safety and maintaining the sporting essence of the game.