According to FIFA, hydration breaks were introduced to protect player welfare, and sporting integrity required them to be applied uniformly in every match.
Even in the climate-controlled stadiums of Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Vancouver.
Television broadcasters outside the UK switched to commercials, which could begin 20 seconds after the referee blew the whistle and had to end 30 seconds before play resumed.
As the tournament progressed, the booing from fans grew louder, reflecting the frustration with the interruptions.
Industry analysts informed a prominent sports outlet that an average 30-second World Cup ad spot on Fox Sports in the US cost between $200,000 (£152,000) and $300,000 (£227,000), climbing to $750,000 (£567,000) during matches involving the host nation and the final stages.
They essentially acted as tactical timeouts, with coaches pulling out tablets to communicate strategic adjustments to the players. The outcome of several matches was altered.
Could we witness them in other leagues?
Uefa has already dismissed the idea, and it is hard to see them being accepted in the top European leagues.
But it would be no surprise to see them return for the next World Cup.
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