adidas has recently unveiled the all new brazuca, the official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ match ball through a spectacular 3D light projection launch event at the iconic Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro.
The brazuca was named back in September 2012 after a public vote in Brazil following 1 million football fans. The name ‘brazuca’ is an informal local term which means ‘Brazilian’, or to describe the Brazilian way of life. The colours and ribbon design of the ball panels symbolise the traditional multi-coloured wish bracelets worn in the country (fita do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia), in addition to reflecting the vibrancy and fun associated with football in Brazil.
The brazuca has undergone a thorough testing process for two and a half years with more than 600 of the world’s top players and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents, making it the most tested ball ever by adidas and ensuring that it is suited to all conditions. Clubs involved in testing included AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Palmeiras and Fluminese.
Players involved in the process included global football stars Leo Messi, Iker Casillas, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Zinedine Zidane. The ball has already been tested in competitive international matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ with a different print design, and was also used in a friendly match between Sweden and Argentina in February 2013.
The technology incorporated into the bladder and carcass of brazuca is identical to the Tango 12 (UEFA Euro 2012™), Cafusa (FIFA Confederations Cup 2013) and the ever popular UEFA Champions League™ Official Match Ball. The improved structure will also provide better grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics on the pitch.
“My first impression of brazuca is of a ball that is fantastic and we’re going to have a lot of fun with it. adidas has created 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. It’s increased my levels of excitement even further and I honestly cannot wait for the opening game,” said Brazilian star Dani Alves.
brazuca is available to purchase worldwide (December 4th) at all adidas Sports Performance Concept Outlets in Suria KLCC, Pavilion, The Gardens, Paradigm Mall and Empire Subang and retails at RM440.
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