WEBVTT

1
00:00:00.041 --> 00:00:03.896
And the countdown is on as Brazil gets set to host the World Cup next week.

2
00:00:04.251 --> 00:00:08.162
Now, football fans are gearing up for what is the world's biggest sporting event.

3
00:00:08.209 --> 00:00:11.937
Now, there's [there are] still concerns over whether everything will be finished on time.

4
00:00:12.449 --> 00:00:18.338
While experts will be looking to ensure the stadiums are in ship shape, players will be keeping their eyes on the ball.

5
00:00:18.735 --> 00:00:22.557
Adidas has made some key design changes to this year's official football,

6
00:00:22.850 --> 00:00:26.487
and Jim Clancy looks at the science behind the Brazuca.

7
00:00:27.988 --> 00:00:32.841
Thirty-two teams will compete for the World Cup at 12 different stadiums across Brazil.

8
00:00:34.386 --> 00:00:39.526
But one thing will be the same for all of them, the ball, a new one.

9
00:00:39.849 --> 00:00:44.696
Adidas has made some changes this time around that could have a major impact.

10
00:00:45.053 --> 00:00:54.834
The new ball, called the Brazuca, will have only six panels compared to eight in the one used in South Africa, and each will be shaped like ninja throwing stars.

11
00:00:55.221 --> 00:01:01.040
The texture of the ball is a bit rougher, with tiny bumps, and longer, deeper seams.

12
00:01:01.405 --> 00:01:05.506
Wind tunnels were used to test the ball's air resistance, or drag.

13
00:01:05.796 --> 00:01:13.741
Despite the reduced number of panels used, the total length of the seams to put together the panels became longer,

14
00:01:13.938 --> 00:01:20.108
which makes the range of the ball speed that creates low air resistance become wider.

15
00:01:20.716 --> 00:01:24.205
The changes should make this ball fly faster with less power.

16
00:01:24.574 --> 00:01:31.635
Adidas says this will improve touch and accuracy, and players are advised not to kick the ball so hard.

17
00:01:32.062 --> 00:01:34.760
The new design should also cut down on knuckling --

18
00:01:35.083 --> 00:01:40.749
sudden jerky direction changes caused when the ball spins very little or not at all.

19
00:01:41.448 --> 00:01:50.305
Because Brazuca has lower lift force when it flies, the so-called knuckling effect will be hard to achieve with this ball.

20
00:01:50.593 --> 00:01:53.154
Now, this could be good news for goalkeepers,

21
00:01:53.451 --> 00:01:58.714
but bad news for someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, who likes to use the effect to score.

22
00:01:59.222 --> 00:02:04.021
On the other hand, the increased spin helps to create the effect that makes the ball curve.

23
00:02:04.395 --> 00:02:08.087
So more players should be able to bend it like Beckham.