Wayne Rooney delivered a scathing verdict on FIFA's first ever World Cup final half-time show, calling the performances by Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber 'crap.' The show took place during the goalless first half of the final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
Rooney's blunt assessment
After the 13-minute show ended, BBC presenter Gabby Logan asked pundits Joe Hart and Micah Richards for their thoughts. Richards highlighted 'Shakira and Burna Boy,' while Hart noted 'Ronaldinho and R9 driving out Madonna.' Rooney, however, told a stunned Logan: 'To be honest mine was when it finished. I like a lot of those artists but to be honest I thought it was crap. I did honestly. It just didn't get me going. I wanted the football to be back on. It was a bit flat. I like Burna Boy, I like Shakira, I like Bieber, but that was too flat.'
Star-studded lineup and performances
Madonna opened the show with her 2000 hit 'Music,' entering the stadium on a dune buggy after a pre-recorded roller rink segment. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra through the White Stripes' 'Seven Nation Army,' while Muppets characters danced. K-pop sensation BTS performed 'Dynamite' in red and black. Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, in character from 'Ted Lasso,' introduced Justin Bieber, who sang 'Everything Hallelujah.' Shakira and Burna Boy performed their anthem 'Dai Dai,' heard before every kickoff in the tournament. The show concluded with a chorus of elementary-school students from Staten Island. Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, and Post Malone also performed, and Tom Cruise gave a speech during the closing ceremony before the final.
Mixed reactions from viewers
Rooney's criticism reflected the confusion felt by many in the stadium and global TV audience. The medley also featured Brazil legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho driven onto the pitch in a buggy. Despite the A-list lineup, Rooney found the show flat and lacking energy, echoing the sentiment of those eager for the football to resume.
