FORTALEZA, June 30 — The World Cup saw its first three minute cooling break today after 30 minutes of the last 16 clash between Mexico and Netherlands in sweltering Fortaleza.

Breaks can be ordered by the referee when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, which takes into account air temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind speed, exceeds 32º Celsius.

Dutch boss Louis van Gaal had pleaded before the game for Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca to allow breaks, claiming that some of his players could lose up to 4kg during the match.

Supporters at the Estadio Castelao also took shelter from the heat with many preferring to stand at the back on the stand in the shade than take their seats under the baking sun.

The score was tied at 0-0 when the sides stopped in the first-half. — AFP