Roy Keane’s humorous take on World Cup halftime show prompts mixed reactions
Roy Keane brought laughter to the ITV studio during the World Cup final halftime show with a witty remark about Shakira, as viewers reacted to the spectacle surrounding the match between Spain and Argentina, reports BritPanorama.
Broadcasting from a rooftop studio near the Brooklyn Bridge, the 54-year-old Manchester United legend commented on the performance: “It was a bit of an anti-climax, but I think the people in the stadium probably enjoyed it more than us. But it’s always nice to see Shakira.”
His quip elicited laughter from fellow pundits Gary Neville, Ian Wright, and presenter Mark Pougatch, showcasing the lighter side of analysis amid the much-anticipated sporting event. Meanwhile, over on BBC One, Wayne Rooney was notably more blunt in his critique, stating, “I’ll be honest, mine was when it finished,” expressing his dissatisfaction with the performances that had preceded the football.
Rooney elaborated, “I like a lot of them artists but I thought it was crap. It just didn’t get me going and I wanted the football to come back on.” This sentiment was echoed by Ian Wright, who felt Justin Bieber’s performance failed to lift the energy of the show. “It felt a bit down,” he remarked.
In contrast, Neville defended the show’s entertainment value, asserting, “I quite enjoyed it. Let’s hope the second half picks up and there’s loads of energy.” The halftime show, which extended the usual break from 15 minutes to 27 minutes, featured an array of artists including Madonna, Burna Boy, Shakira, and BTS, showcasing an ambitious line-up curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Despite the divided opinions, the halftime entertainment remains a focal point of the cultural backdrop surrounding the World Cup, illustrating the complex interplay between sport and spectacle. As the football resumed, the focus shifted back to the pitch, emphasizing that ultimately, it’s the match that captivates audiences, leaving the halftime performances as a memory that some wish to forget.
In the end, it serves as a reminder of how the beautiful game transcends the stage, with even the greatest spectacles sometimes falling flat in comparison to the thrill of the sport itself.
