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Every four years, soccer fans around the world gather to watch the FIFA World Cup. And every FIFA World Cup finals uses a new state-of-the-art soccer ball from Adidas. For the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil, the ball of choice will be the Brazuca.
While you might assume advances in soccer ball technology don't really change the game much, you'd be wrong. There was significant controversy over the Jabulani, the most recent World Cup Ball, which was used in 2010. The Jabulani was widely hated by players due to wonky aerodynamics. Even NASA confirmed it. According to Adidas, the Brazuca shouldn't have the same problems. In fact, it's supposed to be the "most round" ball Adidas has ever produced, thanks to a slick design that features six identical locking patterns. For comparison, the Jabulani had eight (and they weren't all identical), and the classic black-and-white hexagonal ball needs 32.
Regardless of the Brazuca's technological merits, it's still going to sell like gangbusters (its flawed predecessor topped nearly $1 billion in sales despite its problems.) If you're looking for a ball to play soccer with, you've got plenty of other options. But if you need the World Cup ball, the Brazuca is your only option. You've got until June, when the World Cup starts, to pick one up for $160 -- miss your chance and you'll be kicking yourself.
