With World Cup fever in the air, everyone is getting in on the action leading up to the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Since April 27, gamers have been brushing up on their football skills as the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 game hit stores, appearing on Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii consoles across the globe.

EA Sports gave the entire game an overhaul; from the pitch itself to the player models and the fans in the stands, even making it more ‘user-friendly’ for first-time players. One hundred and ninety-nine of the teams participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches are included in the game, and players can choose any of the teams, to compete against the computer or against other players (through online gaming services PlayStation Network or Xbox Live). All 10 venues of the 2010 FIFA World Cup are included for play, as well as stadiums from each qualifying region and a range of “generic” stadiums.

If you haven’t yet joined in on the Word Cup fun, it’s not too late. The much sought-after game is still available in electronics stores islandwide.

Adidas goes hi-tech

The sporting gurus from Adidas have gone all-out for the 2010 World Cup. Firstly, they’ve developed a new streamlined ball called the Jabulani — “the roundest ball ever created for a World Cup”. It’s leak-proof, and unlike its predecessors, it isn’t stitched together; it’s thermally bonded.

Next up is the specially designed Adidas “TechFit” jersey, which with the aid of a criss-crossed back, helps to increase a player’s vertical leap, speed, endurance and power.

There is, too, cool new ad-ons on the sport lifestyle brand’s website which allow users to discover their ‘player types’ and view vital stats of Adidas-sponsored top footballers; get a chance to interact with player profiles via Facebook, and ultimately become fans of the brand.

And lastly, no World Cup is complete without the the shoes. Adidas has developed new soccer boots that are light, streamlined and contain a ‘Powerspine’, which reportedly reduces the chance of an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.