FORTALEZA, June 30 — The heat finally became too much.

While referees in earlier World Cup games have used their judgment on giving water breaks, today’s match between the Netherlands and Mexico in Fortaleza — won 2-1 by the Dutch — featured the first official stoppages of the football tournament.

With temperatures of more than 30º Celsius (86º Fahrenheit) in the Brazilian northeastern state of Ceara, referee Pedro Proenca gave the players three-minute breaks in each half. 

Sun-soaked seats at the Castelao stadium were half-empty during the game as fans sought cover, following the action under the shadows of the corridors.

“Playing under this type of weather goes against football even if we were physically OK,” Mexico coach Miguel Herrera told reporters after the game. 

“There is a point where the fatigue, the restrictions, the sun take their toll.”

FIFA uses as its indicator the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature — a composite measurement used to estimate the effect of temperature, humidity and wind speed.

Should the indicator exceed 32º — breaks would take place, Michel D’Hooghe, head of FIFA medical committee, said in an interview before the tournament started June 12.

The referee implements the breaks around the 30th and 75th minutes of the game. Three minutes will then be added to stoppage time at the end of each half to compensate.

Mexico’s Travels

Mexico played its four World Cup games in Brazil’s northeast, the country’s hottest region, including two matches in Fortaleza.

The game was the second for the Dutch in the region after they played twice in Sao Paulo and Porto Alegre, where it’s cooler this stage of the year.

The governing body said it worked with local organizers to consulted medical, broadcasting, accommodation and transport experts to ensure matches were scheduled at appropriate times.

“One core aspect in defining the kick-off times was the very thorough analysis of the historical climate date in all venues,” FIFA said in an e-mailed statement.

“With the various operational and logistical factors in mind, and with the health of the players as the highest priority, the match schedule was finalized to ensure the fairest possible competition.”

FIFA said spectators were encouraged to use sunscreen and stay hydrated.

While the heat takes it toll in the performance, players need to adapt to the situation, Netherlands forward Dirk Kuyt said after the game.

“It’s very difficult to play in this kind of temperature but you have to adapt to it, you have to accept it.” he told reporters. 

“This is the World Cup, you have to adapt to the circumstances.” — Reuters