England vs Norway World Cup quarter-final faces Miami heat and storm risk
14 reported
According to a BBC Sport report, England will face Norway in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Saturday amid high temperatures and a risk of thunderstorms. Air temperatures are expected to be about 33C (91F), but with humidity it will feel like about 41C (106F). The US National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), an index used by Fifa to help keep players safe, is forecast to sit around 29C to 32C. Players' union Fifpro recommends a WBGT above 28C should lead to the delay or postponement of matches, while Fifa's manual states 32C is the point at which cooling breaks must be used or the match may be postponed or cancelled. The report notes there is no suggestion the game will not take place. Hydration breaks have been a standard component of every game in this World Cup.
What’s reported
England vs Norway quarter-final kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday in Miami.
Air temperature expected to be about 33C (91F), feeling like 41C (106F) with humidity.
US National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Saturday.
WBGT index forecast to sit around 29C to 32C.
Fifpro says WBGT above 28C should lead to delay or postponement; Fifa says 32C triggers cooling breaks or possible postponement/cancellation.
The report states there is no suggestion the game will not take place.
Hydration breaks have been used in every World Cup game, midway through each half.
England have played most matches indoors or in cooler conditions; Norway have played four warm outdoor games.
England spent 10 days in Florida and trained in Kansas with daily temperatures of 32-34C (90-93F).
Norway are based in Greensboro, North Carolina, with similar temperatures.
Hard Rock Stadium is open but has no roof, described as a "humidity trap" by Dr Lee Taylor.
Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue reported 38 heat-related calls at the stadium after first three fixtures, with five requiring hospital treatment.
City of Miami reported 79 heat-related calls at the Fan Fest on 23 June.
Hottest group-stage games were both in Miami: Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia (WBGT 32.9C) and Uruguay vs Cape Verde (33C).
Key figures
Thomas Tuchel (England manager)
Dr Lee Taylor (Loughborough University expert in elite athlete performance and heat/altitude challenges)
Sources: BBC News
