Some things you can't help, for example a football is kicked around the park -- on average 2,000 times during a regular 90 minute game. After all this the ball is due to lose its natural shape.But that's not likely to happen this World Cup.
The World Cup draws in the 2nd largest TV audience, after the Olympics so what better event to launch a new ball eh?
The ball is termed the "Teamgeist" by manufacturer Adidas ( who else ?!!) and weighs only a pound. It's thermally bound using 14 polyurethane panels and is a perfect sphere, as verified by some experts at Britain's University of Loughborough.With fewer panels and no stitching, the Teamgeist is less prone to losing its shape after a kick. That gives the ball better aerodynamics -- the rounder the ball, the more balanced its flight -- and is supposed to provide the players significantly more control. Those who have tried it, such as Johann Vogel of Italy's top team, AC Milan, can't stop raving.
Though the new ball will be rounder, it won't be smarter. One new technology didn't make the cut for the World Cup. FIFA recently decided against embedding a tracking system based on a wireless microchip in the center of the ball. The chip's signal would be picked up by antennae positioned around the field, analyzed by computers, and immediately relayed to a "watch" worn by the referee. The system could help referees avoid mistakes. But after inconclusive testing during the Under-17 World Championship in Peru last October, the technology was benched, for now.
Can't wait to see that ball in action.
The World Cup draws in the 2nd largest TV audience, after the Olympics so what better event to launch a new ball eh?
The ball is termed the "Teamgeist" by manufacturer Adidas ( who else ?!!) and weighs only a pound. It's thermally bound using 14 polyurethane panels and is a perfect sphere, as verified by some experts at Britain's University of Loughborough.With fewer panels and no stitching, the Teamgeist is less prone to losing its shape after a kick. That gives the ball better aerodynamics -- the rounder the ball, the more balanced its flight -- and is supposed to provide the players significantly more control. Those who have tried it, such as Johann Vogel of Italy's top team, AC Milan, can't stop raving.
Though the new ball will be rounder, it won't be smarter. One new technology didn't make the cut for the World Cup. FIFA recently decided against embedding a tracking system based on a wireless microchip in the center of the ball. The chip's signal would be picked up by antennae positioned around the field, analyzed by computers, and immediately relayed to a "watch" worn by the referee. The system could help referees avoid mistakes. But after inconclusive testing during the Under-17 World Championship in Peru last October, the technology was benched, for now.
Can't wait to see that ball in action.
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5 comments:
You're promoting the ball on your website?
I remember how you played football. You always had one hand on your breast pocket to keep the pens and papers from falling out.
The handball court wasn't nearly big enough for your stationery.
Seriously though, my WC Final prediction: Spain vs. Brazil, Spain wins.
King of wishful thinking?
Nandan - I am highlighting the advancement in technology these days. Promoting a ball ?!?! OK, so you think I'm asking people to go buy it. Lol.
Yea..haha it was funny playing football during school. I remember everyone waited for you to come down and play so they could possibly see you ram ur head on the goal post.(again)
All I wanna see @ the WC are the bigwigs exiting early and wiping out any easy predictions. Let the underdogs rule.
Another interesting post! i.e. another one that made me want to google some more info... (Found out that the first footballs were made out of pigs' bladders. Disgusting. Really didn't need to know that.)
the first footballs were made of viking heads
heads cos it was played with many balls
anyway
i see there are lots of balls flying around here
ill be back when the dust settles
Hello Mole, I saw the original ball here, it costs like a 150-200 SFr. A replica however costs 35 SFr. Cool beans.I'm waiting eagerly for the WC 06 too.
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