Kick-off delayed
David Hytner reports from Orlando that the kick-off has been officially delayed by 20 minutes due to a heavy thunderstorm. The new kick-off time is set for 4.20pm local time, which is 9.20pm BST.
No surprise has come from this delay. The intense thunderstorm in Orlando has left the pitch at Inter&Co Stadium waterlogged, causing the postponement. It remains unclear how long the delay will last or if the match will commence at all. Given the weather conditions, similar disruptions may occur over the next month.
“I’ve seen some rain storms in my time – one in Jakarta during an Arsenal pre-season tour springs to mind – but this one in Orlando is right up there. A colleague has just dashed 50 yards into our hotel from the car park and has had to get changed because he was utterly drenched. The game’s announcers have just said that the ticket collection point for fans has been temporarily closed. They ‘hope to resume operations as soon as it is safe to do so.’”
Despite hopes that kick-off will proceed as scheduled, the torrential rain in Orlando today poses a significant risk of delay. Below is an update from David Hytner, reporting live from the scene.
“Absolutely torrential downpour here in Orlando – with a flash of lightning seen at 1.38pm local time, with the England game against Costa Rica due to kick-off at 4pm local time (9pm BST). According to the stadium’s safety protocols, if ‘lightning is detected within eight miles, the referee can suspend the match with play resuming no earlier than 45 minutes after the last strike.’ It is due to clear up before kick-off so hopefully all will be fine … it’s worth noting that if there is further lightning, the 45-minute clock would reset.”
Chelsea fans may recall a similar weather-related delay at the Club in North Carolina last year. The situation is familiar to many football journalists who cover these events.
England have previously completed World Cup warm-up matches against Costa Rica, the last being in 2018. Following that fixture, England advanced all the way to the semi-finals in Russia. While omens and vibes may not have a direct impact, they neither hinder the team’s prospects. It is best to avoid referencing the other occasion these two nations met.
The match is scheduled to kick off in Orlando, Florida at 9pm BST. The game is on!
