World Cup Cooling Break - the Twitter reaction

In extreme humidity and temperatures approaching 40°C, The Netherlands and Mexico World Cup teams became a test case for Fifa's new Cooling Break rule – a chance to rehydrate, enjoy a cold towel and perhaps talk tactics.

#coolingbreak was immediately trending on Twitter as users discussed the pros and cons of the decision. Was it necessary? Was it really just a coaching break? If players need a 3-minute break in Brazil, how long will they need in the desert heat of Qatar in 2022? And if they can take a break to cool down why can't Fifa spare a few seconds to look at contentious decisions too?

Plus plenty of silliness, of course...

A contentious decision...

Breaking point in Qatar

Where have we seen that before...?

Possible improvements?

For and against

Good to see players treated like human beings and allowed to have a drink. #Scorchio #CoolingBreak

— MickeyTHFC (@Mickeyleon75) June 29, 2014

The #CoolingBreak for me is a bad idea, it kills the momentum of the the game. It is not for football

— Ramsey D Great! (@HRH_Prime) June 29, 2014

It’s really a coaching break...

The Cooling Break is...

...epic...

this #coolingbreak is epic

— Steve Pippens (@ethelpip) June 22, 2014

...confusing...

...historic!