New adidas federation kits portray history
Sports apparel giant adidas has launched the new federation kits for the world's top football teams participating in the upcoming 2010 Fifa World Cup, which will also be available for purchase for all football enthusiasts in the region. The kits display the official attire of European teams – Germany, France and Spain – in addition to Argentina and Mexico from Latin America and hosts, South Africa.
The new official Football Federation Kits are now available at adidas Sports Performances stores across the region. Each adidas Football Federation Kit of the teams tells a story, woven into the design details of the jersey.
The eyes of the world will be on South Africa during the World Cup but the eyes of every South African will be on Bafana Bafana.
Inspired by Germany's proud football history and heritage, the story of the most successful football federation is honoured in the team's new jersey with the country's famous 'Teamgeist'. Eleven threads perfectly frame the new black and gold crest, based on the badge from Germany's Euro 1996 victory, and the three gold stars for Germany's World Cup successes in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
France's new kit honours the country's greatest glories – the 1984 and 1998 success of Les Bleus – The Blues.
With their recent success at UEFA Euro 2008, Spain's new home kit honours the indomitable Spanish spirit – La Furia Roja (the Red Fury).
The new blue and white Argentina football association kit pays homage to the country's national flag and features a special white middle stripe as used in the jersey worn by Maradona and the team that dominated the world cup in 1986.
Pride, commitment, strength, character and the heart of the national team of Mexico are expressed through the influence of the Eagle Warrior in the design elements of the new home kit. A feather pattern inspired by this national symbol is featured on the jersey, and references to the Aztec pyramids pay tribute to the rich history of the nation, which can boast an equally rich history in football.
Messi favourite for golden shoe
There are few individual gongs that elude Lionel Messi and he is fast closing in on one that is missing from his trophy cabinet: the European Golden Shoe.
The Argentina forward has 31 goals in La Liga this season after his double for Barcelona against Tenerife on Tuesday, giving him 62 points in the race to be named the continent's leading marksman with two matches still to play.
Udinese's Antonio Di Natale, Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, who all have 26 goals and 52 points, have a slim chance of overhauling Fifa World Player of the Year Messi, with two Serie A matches and one Premier League game left.
Gonzalo Higuain has netted 25 for Real Madrid, giving him 50 points. (Reuters)