As debate rages around the globe about the potential for robot killing machines to run amok, feasting on the flesh of their vanquished foes there’s an even more dangerous development coming from boffins in workshops all around the world … soccer playing robots.
With the new season about 5 hours away as I start to write this, we’re going to take the opportunity to have a look at the latest boots from our favorite manufacturers. Nike, Adidas and Umbro have all launched new boots in the runup to the new season, some more expensive than others.
In the previous 2 parts of this short series we looked at the history of goal line technology and the current stalemate, in this final part I take a look at the future, and what technology is currently being developed.
In 2005, Adidas tested a system they developed in conjunction with German company Cairos. Their idea involves planting cables in the pitch that give off a magnetic field that a sensor in the ball is able to pick up. The 2005 U17 World Cup in Peru gave the company insights into the shortcomings of their system and 2 years later they helf a seperate trial during the 2007 World Club Cup in Japan which was successful and is cited by many as proof that goal line technology can work. Adidas’s Head of FIFA Affairs was quoted at the time as saying
“Until now we are very satisfied, no ball was damaged, all the systems during the games worked and the players’ feedback here has been very positive.”
Eany meany miny mo, catch a cheater by the, er video reply. It’s not quite how the old playground rhyme went, but it’s what Australia’s A-League are going to do to players that dive to earn free kicks, or penalties. Players caught “simulating” could receive a 2 match ban if cought by video replays after the match.
Read the rest of this entry »
Sir Bobby Robson, the England manager who came within a whisker of taking England to only their 2nd World Cup Final, has lost his long battle against cancer, aged 76.
Read the rest of this entry »
Nike Ascente football
Hot on the heals of Adidas and their new UEFA footballs, Nike have announced their new T90 Ascente, which is the official match ball for The FA Premier League, La Liga & Serie A.
It boasts:
but what does all that mean? Well the 360 degree sweetspot means that wherever you hit the ball it’s performance is consistent, which is kind of what you’d expect unless you buy one of those weighted joke balls.
Longer range, the T90 Ascente can travel 2 WHOLE ball lengths further than the Nike Omni … so watch out for those windows behind the nets!
Increased visibility, the pattern on the ball apparently creates a flicker effect that means you can see from all over the pitch. Which would be a good thing.
Higher accuracy, these bad boys have been tested in wind tunnels and the air flows much more smoothly across the surface of the ball, it also dips more sharply over defensive walls.
The T90 Ascente flies a whole 2.4% faster than the old Omni, and I’m going to choose the balls 3 layers as the culprit for this blazing increase.
If you’d like to buy one, they’re £84.99 from Kitbag.com