12 Things you Should know about FIFA World Cup 2014
With the FIFA World Cup in Brazil this year and 32 teams qualifying for the mega event, Team Youthopia has compiled a list of things you SHOULD know about this #FIFA #WorldCup.
1. The name of the Official ball of FIFA World Cup is “Brazuca”. This name was chosen by a public vote. The ball is produced by Forward Sports in Sialkot, Pakistan.
2. The ball’s roundness is maintained even in the harshest of rains and the latex gives it an excellent rebound. The ball will be succeeded by “Incumbent” in the next world cup.
3.Caxirola is a sustainable percussion instrument made of plastic and inspired by Caxixi – a similar instrument. Caxirola is the official instrument of the World Cup 2014 and costs $14.
4. Fuleco – the official mascot of the FIFA World Cup 2014 is a Tatu-bola. Fuleco is a combination of the word ‘Football’ and ‘Ecology’ (Futebol+Ecology).
5. The Total Cost of the World Cup 2014 is $11 billion. A lot of protests have been going on over this issue, considering Brazil is short of basic amenities for its citizens.
6. Expect Pirlo to sitback and dictate play with trademark pinpoint long balls. Being a dead ball specialist, expect a couple or two mind bending free kicks from him.
7. The Italians or the Azzuri have won this marquee competition four times. Despite not being the best, they boast of one of the best midfields in world football. Leading this midfield is the tempermental and explosive Balotelli. Expect fireworks if he is in the mood for it.
8. With Liverpool performing exceptionally well in the BPL, the English players of this side have been amply rewarded with a World Cup berth. Gerrard and Lampard will look to go out with a bang and the likes of Sterling and Barkley along with Luke, Shaw and Phil Jones will look to breakout. Expect the versatile Rooney to perform a key-role here.
9. The Argentinians boast of the otherworldly Lionel Messi and the very talented Sergio Aguero to propel them with the likes of Angel di Maria and Mascherano in the midfield and the utility man Zabaleta keeping the back four strong.
10. Brazil has the home support to cheer them on and an equally talented squad to boast. There are a lot of expectations weighing on the shoulders of Neymar. With a heavily stocked midfield full of brilliant individuals like Oscar, Willian, Fernandino, Gustavo and the back four comprising the likes of Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and David Luis, they have covered all the bases. Expect Neymar to perform very well and yes, they have a Hulk too.
11. With Carvalho, Mountinho and Raul Meireles in the midfield and the goal-machine Ronaldo upfront, expect Portugal to do some serioud damage. With the hitman Cavani and the supremely talented Luis Suarez upfront, Uruguay are also very promising candidates.
12. Defending champions Spain have sublime talent in the midfield with the likes of Iniesta, Fabregas and Busquets looking to support Fernando Torres or Diego Costa playing upfront as a lone striker. With the magician Xavi looking for his last Hurrah and with Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos at the back, write Spain off at your own cost.
To sum it up, take a look at the Teamlist for FIFA World Cup 2014.
