France v Iraq delayed more than two hours after half-time due to lightning protocol | OneFootball

The France v Iraq match took more than two hours to restart after half-time due to a lightning protocol. According to Superdeporte, the delay followed a strict procedure set by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which could affect further World Cup games.

The same rules were used this summer at the Club World Cup. If lightning strikes, or electrical activity is detected within 13 kilometres, spectators must shelter inside the stadium and players return to the dressing rooms, triggering a 30-minute countdown.

If no further strike occurs in that window, play resumes. If another strike is registered, the 30-minute clock resets.

Elsewhere, Lionel Messi hit a brace against Austria. His first took him top of the all-time World Cup scorers list, and his second set the record at 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s pre-tournament mark of 16.

Kylian Mbappé reached 16 yesterday with a brace. The France forward has four goals in two matches at this World Cup, a blistering pace that could threaten Messi’s new benchmark.

Source: Superdeporte