What’s this? A sports post on High Voltage. Yes, even we are World Cup fans; in fact, this particular writer only pays attention to one sport and it’s football – real football (which you Americans call soccer). And this is the second time Brazil (one of the best football nations in the world) is hosting the affair.
Because our typical readership probably doesn’t know much about football, thought you might enjoy a break down of five main points to help you through the next month of matches (and look smart doing so). Trust me, this is the time to discover your neighborhood pub and get into the World Cup spirit – it’s an incredible experience:
1. There’s an entire new set of jargon to learn, most of the terms coined from the Brits. Here are some of the basics:
“Kit” = Uniform
“Match” = Game
“Nil” = Zero
“Pitch” = Field
2. New goal-line technology is being used, for the first time, in this year’s World Cup matches. We believe this to be a direct answer to a very disappointing match in the 2010 World Cup between Germany and England, where a ref made a bad call about a goal made by England that was clearly an “in” goal. Thus, this new technology can determine conclusively whether a ball has crossed the goal line, or not. It involves a chip planted inside the ball and seven 3-D cameras focused on each goal, when a goal has been scored it then relays it to an official’s watch.
3. The USA’s best player, Landon Donovan, did not make the USA team. However, the USA still has a real chance this year – shockingly. But beware, it could go sour quickly as the USA will take on Germany, Portugal and Ghana (aka this year’s Death Group). In other words, America’s got their work cut out over the next couple of weeks.
Released: April 8, 2014
5. And lastly, for your music lovers that just want some trivial information to pass on… There are, at least, 6 World Cup Anthems. There’s the official official 2014 FIFA World Cup Song “We Are One (Ole Ola),” which features Pitbull and Jennifer Lopez. The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Anthem called “Dar um Jeito (We Will Find a Way),” with Santana, Wyclef Jean, Avicii and Alexandre Pires. Coca-Cola’s Official FIFA World Cup Campaign Song, “The World is Ours,” by former “X Factor” star David Correy. Shakira has released an unofficial tune called “La La La (Brazil 2014),” featuring Brazilian legend Carlinhos Brown. Ricky Martin, regularly known for his World Cup anthems, has thrown his tune, “Vida,” into the ring. And then the Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Mascot Song, “Tatu Bom De Bola.”
Not to mention the album: One Love, One Rhythm: The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Album, which features all those songs, plus a track from the Isley Brothers and many more. Phew!