Fans bemused as random halftime show staged during World Cup last-16 tie

Fans were left confused at the staging of a half-time show during the World Cup last-16 clash between Switzerland and Colombia.

Those in attendance at BC Place in Vancouver unexpectedly got more than they bargained for during the interval.

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And while most would have used the break for refreshments or a toilet break, those who remained in their seats were treated to a performance from American country music band Rascal Flatts, fronted by Tom Cochrane.

They treated fans to a live performance of their hit song ‘Life is a Highway’ to help pass the 15-minute interval.

However, the performance caused bemusement from fans on social media who were unable to grasp why the round-of-16 match was chosen to host a half-time show.

Mixed reaction

One fan wrote: “Why on earth is there a halftime show during a R16 match?”

Another had a similar sentiment, writing: “A halftime show in the round of 16?”

A third added: “Yep it’s not about the performer. It’s about the idea of a halftime show at all. Don’t engage.”

But it wasn’t all confusion among fans with some pleasantly surprised by the half-time offering.

One delighted fan posted: “Life Is A Highway halftime show is the only worthwhile one.”

Whale another added: “Tom Cochrane is performing “Life is a Highway” at the halftime show. What a country.”

And there were smiles in the ITV studio as well as host Laura Woods enjoyed the choice of song on offer.

Life is a Highway is ITV’s chosen theme song for their World Cup coverage and it appears that the song, originally released by Cochrane in 1991 and re-released by the band in 2006, has made a huge comeback.

“Since the start of the World Cup it has had an increase of 13million more streams on Spotify,” Woods confirmed during ITV’s broadcast of the match.

The idea of live musical performances in football remains a taboo subject among fans.

Pre-game shows have recently been introduced to the Champions League final with The Killers performing at this year’s final in Budapest before Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal took to the pitch.

FIFA have already confirmed that there will be a half-time show at the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.

Madonna, Shakira and K-Pop band BTS are all scheduled to headline the show at Metlife Stadium in New York.

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Argentina awaits

On the pitch, there was plenty at stake with Switzerland and Colombia battling it out for the right to face holders Argentina in the quarter-finals this weekend.

Lionel Messi was instrumental in his side clawing back a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta earlier in the day.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez superbly headed the Albiceleste in front in the dying moments after Cristian Romero and Messi had dragged them back from the brink.