Brazuca: World Cup ball is round, can be kicked
Fun facts about the Brazil soccer ball
Every World Cup, sport and science converges in a meeting of minds. This process is often painful and uncomfortable.
It also creates a brand new soccer ball to be used at that year’s World Cup, which in no way is meant to capitalize on the sport’s popularity by giving fans another thing to buy along with their car flags and hats.
In 2014, that ball is called the “Brazuca,” designed by Adidas with consultation from pro footballers. Brazuca is a term for Brazilians living abroad and also acts as slang to describe national pride. It also almost sounds like “bazooka,” which is great because it makes you think of rockets.
Below is a roundup of the main facts you Need to Know™ about the Brazuca.
Fast Facts about the Brazuca
- It is round
- It is filled with air
- It can be kicked or headed
- It can be picked up (this is illegal in soccer)
It is made of 6 panels
It is the least amount of panels for a ball in history. We’re told that this is a good thing for some reason.
It has dimples
Apparently the dimples help the ball travel predictably through the air. It also makes the ball look very cute when it smiles. This hasn’t been verified since, as of press time, the Brazuca hasn’t laughed at any of the jokes we have told it.
It has a camera
Inside of the Brazuca is a video camera, the surprisingly-named “Brazucam.” It is very useful if you like spinning really fast and then getting sick.
A history of balls
1930: First World Cup ball is used. It is round. Remains round for most of match.
1950: Ball continues to be round.
1974: Ball remains round
1990: Experimental phase. Ball becomes oval. Lasts three days. FIFA fires research team.
2010: Ball remains round. Players hate ball. Ball is sad.
2014: Present day. Ball is roundest it’s ever been.