Friday, June 14

Cafusa Ball Brings Brazilian Flair


 
Named after the first two letters from the popular Brazilian pastimes of carnaval, futebol and samba, Cafusa will take centre stage from Saturday as the official Confederations Cup ball.

Rarely has a name been linked so closely to the host nation, and its green circles and yellow lines add to the distinct Brazilian flavour of the ball. Not missing either, just like on the nation's flag, is the southern cross.

Cafusa is the second ball designed especially for the Confederations Cup by sports good makers Adidas, the first ball for the eight-team event coming 2009 in South Africa.

The ruling body Fifa has named it "a true reflection of the Brazilian identity," at its unveiling in December during the group draw - by former Brazil defender Cafu, who quickly had to point out that he had nothing to do with the naming of the ball.

Cafusa is a technological step forward from the Euro 2012 ball, but its official life-span will be a mere 16 days until the June 30 final as next year's World Cup will see another ball in Brazuca.

The name Brazuca was chosen in on online poll by Brazilians last year over Bossa Nova Carnavalseca. It is an informal phrase to describe Brazilian national pride, symbolises emotion, pride and goodwill, and is as Brazilian as Cafusa.

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