What Players Are Really Doing During That Long Tunnel Wait
The match starts before anyone touches the ball.
<p>Before kickoff, both teams stand in the tunnel, inches apart, staring straight ahead like commuters in the world's tensest elevator. That awkward wait is more strategic than it looks.</p>
<p>Psychologists say the tunnel is soccer's first duel. Players size each other up, some chat to defuse nerves, others go stone-faced on purpose. Everyone is broadcasting something.</p>
<p>Veterans use the time for tiny rituals: headphone songs timed to end at the walkout, a specific order in line, a last quiet word to a nervous younger teammate.</p>
<p>With this summer's World Cup across the US, Mexico and Canada, tunnel cameras will be everywhere. Watch the faces. Sometimes you can spot who's ready before a single whistle blows.</p>
