FIFA Football World Cup 2014 Facts

1. 2014 world cup will be the first ever World Cup to use goal-line technology. There has been so much controversy surrounding World Cup goals in past years that the referee will now have the benefit of 14 camera and a mainframe computer to help him make calls. If a goal is scored, a special watch the ref will be wearing will display the word 'goal.'
2. The caxirola, a maraca-like instrument, has been named the official noisemaker of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, federal officials have banned it from all 12 soccer grounds for safety reasons. That hasn't stopped the caxirola (pronounced ka-shee-role-ah) from making noise outside of the matches.
3. It Took 36 Years Before South America Will Host A World Cup Again.
   The last World Cup that was hosted in South America was in 1978. It was Argentina which hosted the 1978 World Cup. Other South American countries which have hosted a World Cup are Uruguay in 1930, Brazil in 1950 and Chile in 1962. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be number 5 to be hosted in South America.
4. For The First Time 2 Consecutive World Cups Are Not Hosted In Europe.
   Normally after a World Cup has been hosted outside Europe, it was Europe that would host the next tournament 4 years later. However the previous World Cup was hosted in Africa and not in Europe. Only after 2 World Cups (South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014), it is European country Russia which will host the next World Cup in 2018.
5. Brazil Will Use Drones and US Robots During The World Cup
   In order to ensure the safety of the many people who will visit Brazil and see the matches, Israeli drones will be utilized. These unmanned aircraft will monitor the crowds for defense and security purposes. So called PackBot 510 robots, which are used in the US military, will also be utilized to protect the citizens and tourists. They can be remotely operated and detect and examine suspicious objects or explore dangerous environments.
   According to the manufacturer iRobot, the robots perform “multiple missions for troops and public safety professionals, enhancing situational awareness, reducing risk and increasing mission success“.
   Aside from the drones and US robots, facial recognition camera glasses, helicopters with night vision and thermal cameras, high tech-surveillance equipment and soldiers from the Brazilian Armed Forces are used to ensure security and protection in the host cities.
6. A Paraplegic Teenager Will Take The First 2014 World Cup Kick.
   The first symbolic kick will not be made by any known or famous person. The first kick of the World Cup will be made by a paraplegic teenager in a mind-controlled exoskeleton suit. The teenager is paralysed from the waist down, but will ‘feel’ the kick due to sensory feedback. He will stand up from his wheelchair, walk over to the midfield and take the very first kick. This marks a very important step in the evolution of technology. This event will show that one day wheelchairs will cease to exist.
7. The Official 2014 World Cup Music Album Includes 17 Songs
8. France Demanded 2 Types Of Soaps In Each Hotel Room.
9. Portugal demands a console in every room and 6 security guards, 2 of which will be dedicated to look after Cristiano Ronaldo at all times.
10. Uruguay demands silent air-conditioning units in each room.
    Algeria demands a Quran in each room.
    Ecuador demands a special room where players can unwind, and an every day basket with different types of Ecuadorian bananas in each room.
    England demands one of 3 restaurants for their exclusive use, a dedicated video games room with 3 TVs and the latest games, and they want the sole use of the gym and swimming pool for just several hours every day. All their rooms contain brand new furniture, beds, wooden floors, rust-free balconies and air conditioning
    Honduras demands the addition of 6 Spanish-language channels to the televisions in each room, including 2 from Honduras.
    Japan demands all rooms must have a Jacuzzi.
    Australia demands installation of 2 large coffee machines close to their rooms, in an area that must also include a variety of newspapers from around the world. They want Brazilian meals of red meat, fish and chicken, but all cooked within the concept of a healthy diet.
    Bosnia and Herzegovina demands an acoustic (sound-proofed) screen. The idea is that players will dine on one side and the coaching staff on the other. This way their conversations will not be mixed.
    Switzerland demands Swiss television channels in all the rooms and high-speed internet.
    Chile demands new beds and flat screen televisions in every room.
    Costa Rica demands a large chill-out room with sofas, televisions and video games.
    Colombia asked for 15 lucky youth players to take part in their training sessions.
11. Brazil Is ‘The Most Expensive Team’ In The 2014 World Cup
12. Lionel Messi Is ‘The Most Expensive Player’ In The 2014 World Cup
13. Vanishing Spray Will Be Used To Provide A Temporary Visual Marker.
    For the first time in World Cup history, vanishing spray will be used by referees in the 2014 World Cup. The water-based spray will be used to mark the position of the ball for a free-kick on the pitch. The spray will also mark the ten-yard line for the defending team during a free kick. This prevents from players to form a defensive wall to close to the ball. The spray appears as a white spot or line that automatically disappears in a minute.
    FIFA approved the spray for the 2014 World Cup after this has successfully been used at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and 2013 FIFA Club World Cup.
14. FIFA Will Ban Players From Showing Messages Under Football Shirts
15. Germany Will Play Their 100th World Cup Match When Playing Portugal. Germany will be the first country which will play their 100th World Cup match.
16. Man of two trades
    Sir Vivian Richards, widely regarded as a legend in the game of cricket, is the only person to play World Cup Cricket as well as represent Antigua for football during the 1974 World Cup Qualifying matches.
17. During the 2006 World Cup, referee Graham Poll booked Croatian Josip Simunic three times before sending him off. After a second yellow card a player should automatically receive a red card and be expelled from the game, however, Poll seemingly lost count.