Australian physicists put new World Cup ball through paces

Tradition demands a new football design for each World Cup and with each new ball comes a new controversy and complaints. But Australian physicists have put the latest ball to the test and say it is simply superb.

Last World Cup it was the “beach ball”, this World Cup, it’s set to be the “keeper’s ball”.

 

Every four years, FIFA goes to great lengths to produce a new design of ball for the world game.

 

The 2014 incarnation is called the Brazuca – its surface is heavily dimpled and it’s divided into six deeply seamed panels.

 

Physicists at the University of Adelaide have put the Brazuca through its paces and found the combination of those deep seams and rough grooves create a cushion of turbulent air that hugs the ball and somewhat paradoxically delivers a smoother trajectory.

 

It’s a stark contrast to 2010’s Jabulani, nicknamed the beach ball for its erratic path. Its smooth surface meant there was little cushioning turbulence, enabling the ball to slip, slide and judder through the air.

 

The Brazuca's predictability, while bad news for penalty shooters trying to sneak one through, will be welcome news for keepers.

 

And the experts say it’s likely to be good news for Australia too. The Socceroos are renowned for their aerial tactics and use of headers - manoeuvres requiring certainty in trajectory.