Wayne Rooney issues damning verdict of World Cup final half-time show | OneFootball

Former England forward gave a brutal opinion on the controversial spectacle

Wayne Rooney issued a damning verdict of the World Cup final half-time show after the star-studded spectacle in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

It prompted the much-talked about half-time show, which saw the likes of Madonna, Burna Boy, Shakira, Justin Bieber and The Muppets all feature, under the guidance and composition of Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin.

Madonna, who opened the show, was accompanied by backup dancers and World Cup legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario as she swaggered through the tunnel and onto the touchline.

Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudekis and Brendan Hunt reprised their roles as Lasso and Coach Beard from the hit TV series, as they ‘substituted’ Bieber into the show. The Canadian superstar then took the field, singing a World Cup-themed version of his ‘Everything Hallelujah’ song.

The half-time show had been heavily criticised for the disruption it may cause to the game, particularly with FIFA’s rule that any show at the interval must be limited to just quarter of an hour.

Legends: Ronaldinho, Madonna and Ronaldo

AFP/Getty

In the BBC studio after the spectacle’s conclusion, presenter Gabby Logan asked the pundits for their highlight of the show.

Micah Richards and Joe Hart plumped for “Shakira and Burna Boy” and “Ronaldinho and R9 driving out Madonna”, but Rooney was far more brutal with his opinion.

“I’m going to be honest, when it finished,” the former Manchester United and England striker said.

“I like a lot of these artists, but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.”

In terms of the match action, the first half was short of golden opportunities in front of goal in a cagey first 45 minutes between the World Cup holders and the European champions.

Argentina were dealt a major injury blow - that will also affect Rooney’s former club United - when Lisandro Martinez was forced off with an injury just before the half-time whistle.