The Most Technologically Advanced World Cup Yet

It's been seven years in the making. From the moment FIFA announced that the 2014 world cup will be staged in Brazil for the first time since 1950, football faithfuls the world over have waited with bated breath; and as the games kick-off on football's grandest stage, viewers may observe that they are in fact getting quite more than they bargained for.
We take a look now at how soccer and the latest in technology have fused to make for an unforgettable experience at this year’s world cup. Feel invited.


    1.    The new match ball: Nicknamed “Brazuca” by popular vote, the new Adidas match ball is the most tested football in history. Much has been upgraded over the Jabulani ball of the previous world cup. Its manufacturer claims it offers superior grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics. The Brazuca has also passed NASA’s aerodynamic tests.

 

2.    Goal-line technology: After bitter controversies in past competitions, FIFA this time around is getting it right. Accurate calls will be made on goal matters, thanks to GLT (GoalControl) at this year’s world cup. 14 cameras mounted on the stadium roof/catwalk, each capable of taking 500 shots per second, capture 3D image of the ball and in a split second alert the referee when the entire ball crosses the goal line.

 

3.    Vanishing spray: Players have often overstepped boundaries seeking a bit of unfair advantage, and quite frankly you can't blame them for trying; well, not any longer. For the first time ever at the world cup the vanishing white foam will be used to delineate where the walls form. It’s actually biodegradable and vanishes after one minute, so no worries.

4.    4K Filming Technology: As is tradition since 1954, FIFA releases an official documentary of the world cup once the last goals are scored and the last medals handed out. The official 2010 FIFA world cup film was recorded in 3D. This time around it’s stepping up a notch. FIFA is partnering with Sony to produce ultra-high definition films of the world cup in Brazil. Content for 4K have been few and far between. In addition, high cost of these UHD capable screens haven’t afforded this new technology a chance with much of the general public just yet.

 

5.    Scouting app for iPad: Developed by the English FA’s scouting department, this scouting app is specially designed and tailored to each member of the squad's needs. It allows each player to access personal data and footage of their direct opponents for effective preparation. The user not only gets to study their opponent’s quirks and abilities, but also get acclimatization techniques as well. So don’t be surprised when you see players or coaches fiddling with iPads on the sidelines.

     Special mention also must be made of the high tech jerseys and boots the players are sporting. Whether it's a Nike, Adidas, or Puma outfitted team, considerable R&D goes into each piece for optimum performance -- although, one can argue there's a fine line between real technology and fashion masquerading as technology.    

     With world cup generated traffic on the social media already going through the roof, there is no doubt this, in addition to being the most technologically advanced, is also the most connected tournament in history. And for a sport that has remained almost unchanged in its long history, it's amazing how much the technology employed keeps changing so quickly. Makes you wonder, ''what's to be expected in Russia 2018?" -- or doesn't it?