England left fuming as Mexico kick-off time moved at last-minute | Football | Sport
England’s World Cup last-16 showdown with Mexico could now kick-off at 7pm after a decision from FIFA. The change means the Three Lions’ encounter at the Azteca could now be brought forward seven hours after initially being scheduled to kick-off at 1am GMT.
According to BBC Sport, due to the adverse weather conditions in North America, the kick-off could be altered with storms and heavy rain forecasted. The change will come as a headache for supporters travelling to the Mexican capital, it is understood that FIFA planned to stage the game seven hours earlier but neither the Football Association (FA) or Mexican Football Federation were considered. The FA are believed to be concerned of the impact it’ll have on fans and the logistics for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
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Mexico’s Round of 32 win over Ecuador was subject to a delay as a result of thunderstorms in the region. France’s win over Iraq during the group stages was also weather-impacted with the showdown in Philadelphia suspended for two hours. The change in kick-off team will come as a relief to England supporters watching on at home with the match brought forward several hours.
Despite FIFA being the tournament organisers, the protocols surrounding electrical storms are based upon recommendations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). According to their guidelines, matches must be halted and suspended if there is a discharge detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
Players and staff will then be forced to exit the pitch while supporters are advised to find shelter at the stadium. With the Azteca design not possessing a retractable roof, spectators could be at risk.
For the game to restart, there must be no further lightning strikes detected within that eight-mile radius of the venue for a full 30 minutes. Once the half-an-hour countdown has elapsed, fans can return to their seats, and players will return to the pitch for a 15-minute warm-up before the game restarts.
Thomas Tuchel’s side scraped through past DR Congo as they avoided a monumental shock at the World Cup, thanks to a double from captain Harry Kane. The Tottenham Hotspur icon and Bayern Munich star scored twice in the dying embers to complete the fightback to win 2-1.
Co-hosts Mexico, meanwhile, have made light work of their opponents on course to the last-16, brushing aside South Africa, South Korea, the Czech Republic and America’s rivals Ecuador without conceding a goal. But for England, they will have to silence the raucous crowd at the Azteca and in sweltering altitude with the Mexico City stadium 2,200 metres above sea level.
The winner of the encounter will face the victor of either Brazil and Norway (9pm kick-off). Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland will be looking to add to his World Cup tally in the golden boot hunt as he locks horns with Arsenal foe Gabriel.
