In the 39th minute of the USA's clash with Portugal in Manaus, midfielder Jermaine Jones limped off to get some medical attention for his tattooed knee. Referee Nestor Pitana appeared to use the break in play to call a discretionary water break — the first time this has ever happened at a World Cup.
Due to the heat and humidity at several venues in this tournament, officials are permitted to grant one short hydration break in each half.
Furthermore, a Brazilian judge has ordered mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes if the temperature reaches and exceeds 90 Fahrenheit.
According to the FIFA website, the temperature in the Amazonian stadium for this group G clash reached 86 Fahrenheit, with 66% humidity.
Despite similar temperatures during England's clash with Italy in Manaus last weekend, no water break was given. This lack of respite clearly had its effect on players — Andrea Pirlo was reduced from his normal walking pace to a slightly slower walking pace.
A referee in Maranhao, Brazil, last Sunday is reported to have been decapitated after stabbing one of the players.
The Public Safety Department of the state of Maranhao, in Brazil, said in a statement that the horrific incident began when referee Otavio da Silva, 20, sent off 30-year-old Josenir Abreu.
Santos Abreu is believed to have argued and then struck the referee after being unhappy with a decision. It is believed the referee was carrying a knife throughout the match and fatally stabbed the player in retaliation.
Santos Abreu was rushed to hospital but died from injuries on the way.
Enraged spectators invaded a football field, stoned the referee to death and quartered his body after he stabbed a player to death.
Police have arrested one suspect after last weekend’s incident and are looking for two others.
Spokesman Valter Costa was quoted as saying: ‘We will identify and hold accountable all those involved in this incident.
‘One crime will never justify another. Actions like this do not correspond with state law.’
A recreational league soccer referee, 46, who was critically injured and in a coma after being punched by a teenage player during a game died last night, US police said.
Police have accused a 17-year-old player in a recreational soccer league of punching Mr Portillo after the man called a foul on him and issued him with a yellow card.
According to a police report, the trouble began April 27 at a youth match at Eisenhower Junior High School in Taylorville. As players jostled for position, Portillo saw the goalkeeper push an opponent with his hands.
Portillo lifted his "Yellow Card," issuing a warning to the 17-year-old boy. He then began writing the infraction in his official’s notebook.
According to the police report, Portillo probably never saw the blow coming — a powerful punch to the head.
Feeling dizzy, Portillo sat down and began vomiting blood.
"He was laying on the ground, on his left side in a fetal position," Officer Jason Huggard wrote. "Ricardo was complaining of pain in his face, back and being nauseated. ... He had spit up a small amount of blood in his saliva."
Portillo died at 9:33 p.m. at Intermountain Medical Center, according to the news release
"Formal charges will be screened early next week with the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office," the press release said. "Since Portillo has passed away additional charges will be screened in connection with his death."
The teenager has been booked into juvenile detention on suspicion of aggravated assault.
He said an autopsy is planned.
