For the primary time in World Cup historical past, FIFA borrowed a web page from the Tremendous Bowl playbook by introducing its first ever World Cup closing halftime present.
On paper, the mix of Madonna, Justin Bieber, soccer legends, and shock movie star appearances promised an unforgettable spectacle.
As an alternative, the formidable manufacturing sparked wildly divided reactions, with many viewers questioning whether or not the historic experiment lived as much as the hype as Argentina and Spain battled for the trophy.
Though the World Cup closing halftime present featured a number of stars, Bieber shortly discovered himself on the middle of the net debate.
After a playful introduction from Jason Sudeikis in character as Ted Lasso, the singer walked onto the sector carrying solely a guitar earlier than performing a World Cup-inspired model of his tune “Every little thing Hallelujah.”
Slightly than delivering a stadium-sized spectacle, Bieber opted for a stripped-back efficiency that ended with the lyric, “it’s the World Cup, Hallelujah.”
The understated strategy instantly divided viewers. One critic blasted the set, noting per the Each day Mail, “Buzz killer. Completely sucked. Why select that tune that no person is aware of. Past me.”
One other wrote, “Justin Bieber Hallelujah however this was not the suitable tune alternative for the half time present,” whereas a 3rd merely referred to as it a “horrible tune alternative.”
Others, nonetheless, appreciated Bieber’s choice to gradual the tempo amid the bigger manufacturing. “Justin Bieber regarded and sounded nice on the World Cup halftime present at present! Glad he’s cleaned up his act!” one supporter posted.
One other praised the efficiency by writing, “Finest efficiency. He is aware of change individuals’s moods in a second. That’s extraordinarily troublesome to do, most performers couldn’t.”
Madonna Helped FIFA Launch A Historic New Custom
Earlier than Justin Bieber took the stage, Madonna was tasked with opening the World Cup closing halftime present.
The pop icon emerged to carry out her 2000 hit “Music,” making an entrance alongside Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho.
The trio embraced earlier than stepping onto the pitch collectively, creating one of many night’s most sudden crossovers between world music and soccer stars.
Madonna additionally delivered one of many evening’s largest trend moments, carrying a Saint Laurent look that featured a pink satin teddy jacket layered over a corset, matching mini shorts, lace-up boots, and stockings.
Cameras later captured the three posing collectively on the sector as 1000’s inside MetLife Stadium welcomed the match’s latest custom.
Whereas particular person performances earned reward, many viewers questioned whether or not FIFA’s formidable idea matched the months of anticipation surrounding it.
One disenchanted fan wrote, “What a catastrophe this halftime present was. Pre-recorded stuff, no collaborations or shocking moments. The place was Madonna on the finish? She may have sung just a few strains with Shakira… all the pieces was so bizarre. A lot hype for nothing.”
One other took goal on the present’s inventive course, joking, “Who was behind the idea for that halftime present? Chat GPT?”
Others discovered themselves someplace within the center, with one viewer commenting, “Madonna’s efficiency was the strangest factor ever, particularly adopted by the Muppets. The remainder of the present was first rate. I assumed JB’s efficiency was one of the best of all of them.”
Not Everybody Thought FIFA’s Gamble Fell Flat
Regardless of the criticism, many viewers applauded FIFA for attempting one thing totally different.
One fan admitted, “I dislike lots of issues that FIFA does… however THAT halftime present was fairly spectacular,” whereas one other praised the occasion’s uplifting tone, writing, “Mild, vivid, constructive power. We would have liked that. Actually uninterested in darkish and indignant performances.”
One other celebrated the worldwide spirit of the present, writing, “It was nice! Worldwide and numerous, a constructive message, household pleasant, and soccer legends hanging with Madonna! Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in all probability couldn’t imagine it!”
Wayne Rooney Calls World Cup Remaining Halftime Present ‘Crap’
Whereas followers continued debating whether or not FIFA’s first-ever World Cup closing halftime present was a hit or a flop, Wayne Rooney made it clear which aspect he was on.
Showing on the BBC’s post-halftime protection after the previous England captain delivered a brutally trustworthy overview when requested for his favourite second.
“I’ll be trustworthy, mine was when it completed,” Rooney quipped per ESPN, earlier than doubling down with, “I like lots of them artists, however I assumed it was crap. I did, actually.”
Explaining why the star-studded spectacle did not impress him, Rooney added, “It simply didn’t get me going. I like Bieber. I like Shakira. It was too flat.”
His candid remarks instantly went viral, with many soccer followers applauding the Manchester United legend for voicing what they felt about FIFA’s formidable Tremendous Bowl-style halftime experiment.
