FIFA’s World Cup scoring in on a tear, with many soccer fans explaining the huge production in goals is because of the Brazuca, the new style of ball used in this year’s World Cup. While the goals are still pouring in, so far there have been more goals scored in 2014 than in any other World Cup tournament since 1970.

According to Benjamin Baer, a reporter for MLSsoccer.com, during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, there have been 73 goals scored in just 25 matches. That rate is approximately three goals per game, while the total goal scored during the last world cup was just above two.

“There is a goal explosion taking place in this year’s World Cup,” said Baer.

There are many theories behind the increased goal production, including how the game has matured over the years. For example, Baer explained past tournaments emphasized defense as the primary strategy to take the trophy. In fact, in the past four World Cup tournaments, the ultimate champion allowed just two goals in seven matches.

“The theory back then was that the best defense would win, and in many cases that was true,” said Baer.

In this year’s World Cup tournament, however, teams are emphasizing aggressive offense, combining sophisticated tactical movement with well-researched game-day strategy to unleash a torrent of goal scoring. Baer explained that there is no doubt that this year’s World Cup will be one of the highest scoring and exciting tournaments in decades.

However, another prevailing theory is rampant among experts. This year’s FIFA World Cup goal production has increased because of the Brazuca, the official soccer ball of the 2014 World Cup tournament.

According to ABC news, the design of the Brazuca is entirely different from balls of past World Cup tournaments. For one thing, the ball’s design is unlike any other soccer ball constructed in the past. Instead of the normal ball that usually has 32 hexagon patches all stitched together, the Brazuca has only six patches that are stretched across the ball like swatches of paint and attached internally with no external stitching. This revolutionary design is one of the most aerodynamic soccer balls in history, explained ABC news, making the Brazuca a key reason why goal production has increased during this year’s FIFA World Cup.

“It is the most advanced soccer ball ever made,” according to ABC news.

A good design on paper is always the best way to undertake any new project, but the Brazuca design went beyond the theoretical, and was put to the most aggressive testing of any soccer ball in the world. According to CNN reporter, Sarah Holt, the Brazuca is the most thoroughly tested soccer ball in history.

Created by Adidas, the Brazuca was sent to three different continents and played with by more than 500 players in nearly one dozen countries. The name Brazuca comes from a Brazilian expression which describes the joy of life.

“Adidas, which has been official supplier of balls for the World Cup since 1970,” said Holt.

Holt explained that Argentinean and Spanish national teams as well teams in the German Bundesliga and England’s Premier League tested the Brazuca. It was also tested in diverse seasons and climates, including wet and gusty, windy conditions, explained Holt.

“The ball was also tested in Sao Paulo and in the Rocky Mountains of the United States to see how it performed in high altitudes,” said Holt.

As a result of the extensive research, the Adidas Brazuca flies faster, more accurately, easier to dribble and can be passed like a well struck cue ball, smoothly and directly at a target. In short, the FIFA World Cup’s Brazuca may kick the game of soccer up a notch, and even increase the goal production during this year’s tournament.

By Vincent Aviani

Sources:

ABC News

MLS Soccer

CNN

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