Tag: futbol

The Controversial Ball

Embed from Getty Images

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was nearly a perfect tournament, except for one thing, the ball. The “Jabulani” was the official match ball of the 2010 World Cup, and experts believe it’s one of the worst match balls in World Cup history.

            For those who don’t know, the word Jabulani means, to celebrate. Sadly, this ball did the complete opposite, and made it a living nightmare for players on the pitch. As the ball was kicked, it had a mind of its own. The movement had goalkeepers off their feet as the ball was dipping mid-air and, on the ground, and ultimately ended in the back of the net.

For the attackers, they too had difficulty taming a wild beast like the Jabulani. Their shots would rise high from the strengths of their shots into the stands. When kicked, players said the ball felt like a giant beach ball, not knowing what direction the ball was going in.

Despite having many negatives, the Jabulani did have some good moments. The crazy dips and knuckle movement allowed players to score some of the best goals of the entire tournament.    

Waka Waka is the Best World Cup Anthem

The 2010 FIFA World Cup had its best song come to fruition. On May 7, 2010, “Waka Waka (Esto es Africa)”, by global superstar Shakira featuring South African group Freshlyground was released. The message of the song encourages people to continue battling towards their goals, no matter how many times they fall.

Waka Waka Official Music Video

For soccer fans across the globe, the song brought magical moments of joy during the tournament. The beat of the drums and the rhythm of the guitar will make you get up and dance. Shakira’s vocals and dancing gave a stylistic aspect to the song, but it was Freshlyground’s rhythm that brought the song to life. They were able to incorporate their style of music to the soccer realm. To this day, I listen back to this song and remember watching the games early in the morning with my dad or before I had my own match to play.

Embed from Getty Images

            The song celebrated its 10-year anniversary earlier this year, and there is no sign of losing its touch. It is embedded to the minds of soccer fans across the world. Only a few songs have that ability to stay popular after many years. It will never be forgotten.