The ball Spoiler Adidas have spent 2½ testing the ball that will be used at the World Cup finals and enlisted the help of Lionel Messi and others to test it The product of a two-and-half-year testing process involving some of the world’s biggest stars, Adidas on Tuesday night unveiled the Brazuca, the official match ball for next summer’s World Cup. Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Lionel Messi and Iker Casillas were involved in the development of the ball, whose six identical panels, alongside a new surface structure will, according to adidas, provide “improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics”. The makers say it is the most tested Adidas ball of all time. Dani Alves, Barcelona’s Brazilian star, said: “My first impression of the Brazuca is of a ball that is fantastic and we are going to have a lot of fun with it. adidas has crfeated an incredible-looking ball fitting for a tournament as big as the Fifa World Cup. Most importantly, it plays well on the ground and in the air. I’m sure all the players will love it.” The technology incorporated into the bladder and carcass of Brazuca is the same as that used in the Tango 12 (the Euro 2012 match ball), Cafisa (2013 Confederations Cup) and the Champions League match ball but the panels and surface structure are new developments Stadium Qualified teams The final draw for the 2014 World Cup will be held at Costa do Sauípe Resort, Mata de São João in Bahia on 6 December 2013,[30] at 13:00 local time (UTC***8722;3) Spoiler Draws Schedule Spoiler
Well the show has started, great images of mandela at the start. now cant understand ****, since everything is in brazilian ffs.
updated the op with the draw. should be good , no pool of death this time cant see netherlands getting very far. spain and chile are great teams and if they do go though , brasil would be next lol
some new rules Besides the video cam at the goal refs will also spray paint whenever a free kick must be taken
Comparing this world cup to some earlier competitions from back in 2002 or 2006 this one will be a bit dissapointing in my opinion.....
i am looking forward to it! Highlight for me was 1998, probably because its the first world cup i properly followed and remember. dont remember 94 at all. Bring it on, England to go home after group stages
City of God?, ... anyone? If I was to go I would try and blend in like a locale, no nice clothes or jerseys & perhaps a rape whistle.
C'ant wait! Am gonna book myself a few days in Bcn so can soak up a game or two of Spain. (hopefully wont get 2 hammered. Me not England..). Maybe find a German/Dutch bar as well. ooh Spain v Netherlands...that could be done...
I'm actually thinking England could be decent this year. The form of some players is really good. Sturridge, Rooney, Sterling, Hart, Glen Johnson, Welbeck, Shaw, Lallana, Gerrard... It does look good. That is until Hodgson decides to take gramps like Lamps, Terry, Ashley Cole... hope he leaves them at home. Give the youngsters in form a chance.
I think England should just play younger kids who are hungry for it. Lets be honest they wont win it but at least all those younger players will get experience and know whats it like to play at world cup. He should definitely play Sturridge and Sterling. Getting excited now!!!
For me Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Spain are the favourites. Belgium is probably the team that can create havoc in this WC, because they have a great team. As for my country, Portugal, i´m expecting a decent WC, nothing more. I just hope i can see some decent games in this WC, because the last games i´ve watched have been complete crap...