The match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors, part of Group C in the Club World Cup, has been suspended because of bad weather. With the score currently tied at 1-1, players from both teams were directed to leave the field and head back to their changing rooms. FIFA is expected to provide an update shortly on when the game can restart.
Organizers also advised fans to move to sheltered areas within the stadium, although images from Geodis Park in Nashville suggested not everyone followed this advice. The game was stopped in the 55th minute while it was level. The New Zealand side had drawn level through Gray after the Argentinians initially took the lead via a rather unusual own goal scored by Garrow.
Suspending a Club World Cup match due to weather conditions is not unprecedented. When thunderstorms are deemed potentially hazardous to players` health – specifically due to the risk of lightning strikes – the standard procedure, as decided by the organization, is to immediately halt play and resume it as soon as conditions are safe.
