Deschamps admitted that the World Cup was delayed for two hours due to heavy rain for the first time in his career

France coach Deschamps. (AFP)

[Reporter Lu Yangxuan/Comprehensive Report] Today's World Cup match between France and Iraq was delayed for two hours after the first half due to drastic weather changes and heavy rain in the United States. French team coach Didier Deschamps admitted frankly that this was the first time he had encountered such a long interruption, "I hope it will also be the last time."

Towards the end of the first half of the game, a heavy downpour suddenly began over Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Players and spectators were soaked. Shortly after the players entered the lounge for halftime, FIFA announced that the game would be delayed for at least 15 minutes.

This is the first time this tournament has been interrupted due to weather. FIFA stipulates that if lightning is detected within 8 miles of the stadium, the game must be suspended and the spectators must be evacuated for 30 minutes. Whenever there is another lightning strike, the clock will restart, resulting in a final delay of more than 2 hours.

Regarding the interruption of the game due to heavy rain, Deschamps was asked after the game and said, "We were playing cards in the lounge during the halftime break. No, we have been waiting because the restart time has been postponed. For me and the head coach of Iraq, the most important thing is to have 20 minutes for the players to warm up again and avoid any risk of injury. This is the first time I have encountered such a long interruption of the game, and I hope it will be the last time."

Deschamps said, "It really took a long time from the start to the end, especially since we had the next game four days later, but I wasn't angry. We were all relaxed. I even joked with the players. After all, this is about safety. As long as there is a risk, we must abide by local regulations. I respect this." France and Norway also faced off in a high-profile game on the 27th with two consecutive wins, and were divided into group leaders.