FIFA World Cup final half time show labelled ‘crap’ by English soccer legend Wayne Rooney

Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna — the FIFA World Cup final’s half time show brought a powerhouse billing to a heavyweight fight.

But, according to English soccer legend Wayne Rooney, it was total “crap”.

In the early hours of Monday morning, Spain and Argentina played out a highly anticipated decider which resulted in the Europeans winning 1-0 in extra time.

Held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, host nation USA put on an NFL-style half time show featuring some of the world game’s most beloved figures, and some of music’s biggest stars.

The spectacle began with Madonna performing her song Music, emerging from backstage on a prop car that was being faux-driven by Brazilian soccer icons Ronaldihno and Ronaldo.

It transitioned into the famous Seven Nation Army riff, performed by the muppets and composer Gustavo Dudamel, then into Korean sensations BTS with Dyamite.

That was the first five minutes of an 11-minute sequence, with Ted Lasso’s Jason Sudeikis then introducing Justin Bieber for his acoustic Hallelujah, followed by opening ceremony favourites Shakira and Burna Boy with Dai Dai — and finally, Coldplay leading the children’s PS22 Chorus with Believe in Love.

A customary 15-minute break was pushed to 27 minutes in a move that would have angered many soccer purists, including Rooney.

Asked for his highlights of the show alongside fellow BBC pundits, the retired Manchester United great was blunt.

“I’ll be honest, mine was when it finished,” Rooney said.

“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. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.”

Online, the show received mixed reviews from fans.

“Madonna’s opening was the best! She knows how to make an entrance,” one person wrote.

“Shakira absolutely nailed this. Always brings that festival vibe that the world cup needs,” another added.

“BTS’s Dynamite still has a strong impact after 6 years!!” one more said.

However, some fans felt that less focus should have been placed on the production, and more on the game.

“Please....and this is why the yanks shouldn’t run one of these things again...its not the Super world bowl!!!” a comment read.

Another said: “Why are they like this 😭 just play ball.”