World Cup 2014 Ball: Brazuca And The Science Behind It

Is That A Brazuca? The Science Behind The New World Cup Ball
|

The 2010 South Africa World Cup was the worst in living memory, and that was partially down to the infamous Jabulani ball that only Diego Forlán seemed capable of mastering. However, ahead of this year's finals, there are no complaints about Jabulani's heir, Brazuca, so far.

Brazuca is also the first football to have a Twitter account, but enough of that, here are the essential facts...

Open Image Modal

Brazuca, related to Azteca, Jabulani and Tango

  • Brazuca has six polyurethane panels bonded to keep the ball the same weight and roundness whatever the weather
  • The never-before-seen panel shape (how exciting) will produce faster flight speed and "maintain true roundness"
  • The bladder (yes, bladder) of the Brazuca ball is made of latex (ahem) and provides the desired rebound. Make of that what you will
  • It is the most colourful ball ever used for a World Cup
World Cup footballs
1970 Telstar Mexico(01 of12)
Open Image Modal
1974 Telstar durlast(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
1978 Tango (03 of12)
Open Image Modal
1982 Tango Espana (04 of12)
Open Image Modal
1986 AZTECA(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
1990 Etrusco Unico(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
1994 Questra (07 of12)
Open Image Modal
1998 Tricolore France(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
2002 Fevernova Japan(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
2006 +Teamgeist(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
2010 Jabulani(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
2014 brazuca(12 of12)
Open Image Modal