Colombia coach criticizes organizers for Shakira’s performance

Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo criticised the extension of the Copa America final halftime break for Shakira’s concert.

Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo has expressed his displeasure at the extension of halftime in the Copa America final to make way for Shakira’s performance.

Shakira, the Colombian pop star and former partner of Barcelona and Spain star Gerard Piqué, will become the first artist to perform at halftime of the Copa America final. She has previously performed at three World Cups and the 2020 Super Bowl.

With Shakira’s performance and the time it takes to prepare and clear the pitch for the second half, the usual 15-minute halftime break will be extended to 25 minutes for the match between Argentina and Colombia.

Colombia coach believes that the match should have a 15-minute break between halves (Photo: Getty)
This left the Colombian coach unhappy: “I think the match will be played like any other match, the half-time break should be 15 minutes as per regulations.”

Lorenzo referred to sanctions from the South American governing body earlier in the tournament for the halftime delay. Several organisations and coaches have been fined for their teams’ slow return to the pitch, including Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni and Chile’s Ricardo Gareca. Scaloni was suspended for Argentina’s final match against Peru and the post-match press conference.

“When we came on in the 16th minute, they penalized us, and now there is a show and we have to come on in the 20th or 25th minute,” Lorenzo expressed his frustration.

Lorenzo is also concerned about the impact of the extended break on the players’ physical condition. “It can really affect the players’ condition because they can get too cool,” he said.

Shakira will perform at the Copa America final (Photo: Getty)

Colombia are aiming for a second Copa America title after winning the tournament on home soil in 2001. The team beat Uruguay in the semi-finals to reach the final, extending their unbeaten run to 28 games – a current record in men’s international football history.

Meanwhile, Argentina, led by eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, are looking for their 16th Copa America title. The final between Argentina and Colombia promises to be tense and dramatic. The match will take place at 7am on July 15, Vietnam time. We will update and send all the most exciting developments of this match to our readers.