The Biz
The Brazuca
With its reputation and millions on the line, Adidas has unveiled the “Brazuca,” the official soccer match ball of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. All eyes are on to see whether the company can avoid a repeat of the “Jabulani,” the ball it designed for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which was heavily criticized by players for behaving erratically during the most widely watched sporting event in the world.
The Brazuca, sure to be coveted by kids from the barrios to the ‘burbs, is now on sale in the US for $160 for an official match ready 100% polyurethane version, or $27 for one with a nylon/TPU carcass. The ball boasts several critical design innovations, most noticeably six identical “boomerang” shaped panels, fewer than the thirty-two seen on common soccerballs, as well as the Jabulani’s eight. The Brazuca’s swirling seam structure and a raised nub texture, similar to a basketball’s, are supposed to improve its touch and aerodynamics.
That’s also what they said last time about the Jabulani, but the ball slipped when it came to player approval.
Adidas designs a new, distinctive, ball for the World Cup every four years, and each time the ball is heavily scrutinized and critiqued. But the venom surrounding the Jabulani was particularly potent.
Read More: MSN
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