The build-up to the FIFA World Cup has begun in earnest with the launch of the official ball. It will then be followed by the World Cup draw tomorrow.
Yesterday, at One Woodbrook Place, manufacturers Adidas unveiled “Brazuca” the official match ball for the Brazil FIFA 2014 World Cup
Trinidad and Tobago was one of several places throughout the world where there were ball launches. Today’s final draw will take place at the Costa do Sauípe Resort, in Bahia, Brazil. That ceremony will determine the grouping for the 32 World Cup finalists.
Brazuca was named in September 2012 following a public vote in Brazil involving one million football fans. The name “Brazuca “ is an informal local term which means “Brazilian” or the Brazilian way of life, similar to how “Trini” describes all things about Trinidad and Tobago.
The ball went through a two-and-a-half-year testing procedure involving more than 600 of the world’s top players, and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents. Clubs involved in the testing include AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Palmeiras, and Fluminese. Players involved in the process include global stars Leo Messi, Iker Casillas, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Zinedine Zidane.
“Adidas has been designing the official World Cup ball since 1970 when the Telstar was introduced, and have continually set new standards of innovation, iconic design and cutting edge technology,” said Trinidad and Tobago’s 2006 World Cup defender Brent Sancho, who also served as master of ceremonies for the launch. “The Brazuca is keeping with that tradition.”
The new ball was tested at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and was said to have contributed to the scoring of some spectacular goals. Among those gathered at yesterday’s launch was Sheldon Phillip, general secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), and Brazilian consulate official Regina Betancourt.
“This is a moment we are very fortunate to have, and as football fans around the world, we are very keen to see the unveiling of the Brazuca ball,” Phillip said. “Every four years since 1970, football fans have waited with baited breath to see the design of the FIFA World Cup ball. From 1970 to present day, we all remember those balls, from the Telstar in 1970, to the Tango in 1978, to the Jubulani in 2010. “
Phillips added: “While we wish our national selection was taking part of the World Cup next year, you can rest assured that we will be in Russia in 2018, and hopefully unveiling that ball as well.”
Betancourt said she hoped Brazuca entered the net many times, meaning that she wanted many goals to be scored at the World Cup, which will be held in cities across Brazil from June 12 - July 13, 2014.