Free World Cup brazuca ball for newborns

Newborn Brazilians have been offered a free World Cup ball by maker Adidas as part of the official launch of the brazuca ball.

However, any child born in the Brazil on Tuesday, when the ball was launched, will be given the ball.

The ball has been tested for 2-1/2 years by more than 600 players and 30 teams in 10 countries across three continents, including Argentina’s Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.

As always, with the launch of a new World Cup ball, this one claims to be better, rounder and will fly truer than any of its predecessors. However, unlike previous World Cup balls such as 2010’s jabulani, this one purports not to be the stuff of nightmares for goalkeepers.

Now for the science bit…Adidas said in a news release that “a new structural innovation with a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a different surface structure will provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics on the pitch”.

Brazil fullback Dani Alves said: “…we’re going to have a lot of fun with it. Most importantly, it plays well on the ground and in the air. It’s increased my levels of excitement even further and I honestly cannot wait for the opening game.”

Spain captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas said: “The brazuca has a stunning design that feels inspired by Brazil. Now the ball has been launched the tournament feels a lot closer. Hopefully with brazuca we can get the same result as in 2010.”

No prizes for guessing which football manufacturer sponsors those two.