2014 Fifa World Cup Football Named

The official football of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio has been named “Brazuca” – an informal word used to describe national pride in the South American nation.

FIFA said more than one million people from the Brazilian public voted to select the ball’s name, with 70% picking Brazuca.

FIFA added that the name symbolizes emotion, pride and goodwill to all, mirroring Brazil’s approach to football.

Adidas, the official World Cup ball supplier since 1970, said two other names had made the final list – Bossa Nova and Carnavalesca. 

It was the first time fans were directly involved in the naming of the World Cup ball, which is still being developed and tested with several clubs and associations worldwide.

FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said: ‘I’m delighted that Brazilian football fans have had the opportunity to play their part in deciding the name of one of the event’s most important symbols. I’m sure that the Brazuca ball will go down in history together with other iconic FIFA World Cup balls, such as the ‘Tango’ in Argentina in 1978 and the ‘Azteca’ in Mexico in 1986.’

In the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the ball was called Jabulani, from the Zulu word meaning to celebrate. 

Although the name was widely popular, the ball itself was heavily criticised by players and coaches during the tournament because it swerved too much and was blamed for several goalkeeping mishaps.

The Brazuca is also likely to be the first World Cup ball equipped with goal-line technology, which will be introduced by FIFA at the seven-team Club World Cup in Japan in December. FIFA’s goal is to have the mechanism fully tested ahead of next year’s Confederations Cup, which will also take place in Brazil.