Every edition of the football World Cup is unique in its own sense. Be it the logo, mascot, official ball or the anthem, each one leaves its mark in the minds and hearts of the football fans.
Russia 2018 is no different. The world's largest country is hosting the football extravaganza for the first time, and so, it is leaving no stone unturned to make it a grand spectacle. Here's a look at some of the elements that define the FIFA World Cup 2018:
Ball
The name's Telstar 18. Adidas Telstar 18. Nothing grabs more attention in a World Cup than the official match ball. It is a reloaded avatar of the match ball of the 1970 World Cup. The original Telstar had 32 panels—the new one has only six, and they are not stitched but glued together. “It also includes an embedded NFC chip, which enables consumers to interact with the ball using a smartphone,” says the FIFA website. For all the innovation, the ball has not impressed the goalkeepers one bit. Top international custodians like Spain's David de Gea and Pepe Reina, and Germany's Marc-André ter Stegen have been critical of the Telstar 18. The ball, they complain, moves in strange ways and is difficult to grip because it is covered in a “plastic film”. While Reina suggested changing it while there's “still time”, ter Stegen has resigned to his fate. Reina, in fact has predicted around “35 goals from long range”. Adidas came under fire for Jabulani—the 2010 World Cup ball—which was termed a “beach ball” by Spain captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
The logo for the FIFA World Cup 2018
Logo
Designed by Lisbon-based Brandia Central, the logo of the FIFA World Cup 2018 is a class apart. The logo four years ago for Brazil 2014 was bit of a let down. This year, however, there's a bit of 'magic' (and a bit of cosmic touch, if we may add) in it. The inspiration was “drawn from both Russia’s rich artistic tradition and its history of bold achievement and innovation”. The trophy-shaped logo uses red and blue (colours of the Russian flag), gold and black colours brilliantly. The 'magic ball' at the top not only signifies the love for football but is also a homage to Sputnik—world's first artificial satellite. The dynamic propulsion, too, is symbolic of the take-off of a spaceship. Add to these the stars, with a “fairytale glitter and sparkle” and the whole logo has an other-worldly appeal. Quite fittingly, it was launched through a countdown from Russia's International Space Station, and was projected at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The human figures, with arms raised in celebration and trying to reach for the stars symbolise the players and fans. And to think the logo has been compared to a Powerpuff Girl!
The Rostov Arena, with the official mascot for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Zabivaka seen in the foreground, in Rostov-on-Don, Russia | Reuters
Mascot
“The one who scores”. That's what the name of the mascot—Zabivaka—means in Russian. For a wolf, Zabivaka is adorable. All mascots are, anyway. Zabivaka, which was designed by a student Ekaterina Bocharova, got 53 per cent of the over one million votes that were cast over a month on the FIFA website. The wolf was followed by the tiger (27 per cent) and the cat (20 per cent). Zabivaka is always seen wearing orange sports glasses along with a pair of red shorts and a white T-shirt with blue sleeves—the official colours of the Russian flag. The FIFA introduces him thus, “He might be the youngest player in the squad, but you won’t find anyone faster, bolder or more skilful with a football.” The “joker in the pack” also loves to pose for photos, it seems. All yours, selfie-lovers!
Anthem
For this generation, the official anthem of a FIFA World Cup would bring to mind a handsome Ricky Martin going Ale! Ale! Ale! Or, more recently, Shakira swaying to Waka Waka. While Martin's The Cup of Life was the official anthem of the 1998 World Cup, Waka Waka (This time for Africa) was for the 2010 edition. This year, it is the turn of Live It Up by American rapper Thomas Wesley Pentz, better known by his stage name Diplo, to do the honours. The song will be released on multiple streaming platforms on May 25, and the official music video will be available from June 7. It will be performed by international music stars like Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi ahead of the final on July 15. "I've never made a song this international, so many stars have come together to make a strong vibe," Diplo said. Smith, too, sounded upbeat about being part of the tournament. "It's an honour to be asked to perform at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. This global event brings people from all over the world together to cheer, laugh and experience magic. Collaborating with Nicky, Diplo and Era on this track represents harmony, eclectic flavours and genres coming together. At the end of the day, we just want to see the world dance", said the Grammy Award-winning actor and songwriter.