Set against the backdrop of the Granja Comary, the official training facility of the Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF), all 22 members of the Brazilian National Soccer Team appeared together to debut their new uniform that will be worn during South American World Cup Qualifying play and for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.Â
Players stood in for a special team photo to introduce the new uniform. The kit jersey features a new fit design, which is supposed to be tighter. The uniform also uses a technology called Dri-FIT, which promises to keep players drier and cooler.
The debut of new Home Team Kit also underscores a special occasion in the team's history, marking the 50th Anniversary of its 1st World Cup win, when Brazil's love affair with the World Cup began on the fields of Sweden with the first of their record five victories in the tournament.
To reflect the heritage of the 1958 World Cup jersey, which sported a traditional collar, the new home jersey features a modern performance collar built in to the fabric. The Brazilian green features on the collar, cuffs and a new flash on the side.
The CBF crest is boldly placed on the left side of the chest with the five stars displayed above it to mark the five World Cup wins. Inside the neck, 'Born to Play Soccer', a phrase that has always resonated with Brazilians, is written in Portuguese.
"There is no doubt that the launch of this jersey, with a tribute to the 1958 players, will become part of the lives of these players," said Jorginho, Brazil Soccer Team Assistant Coach. "And we will be able to review the stories of these athletes who made history at their times."
The jersey has a new dynamic fit which will look tighter on the body and harder to pull during the game. Now the flair of team players such as Ronaldinho and Robinho will be harder to stop by defenders' bold tactics.
"The more comfortable I feel with the shirt, the better," says Robinho. "Many times, I try to gain advantage on speed."
The jersey is made from Dri-FIT, a technology developed by Nike, which is supposed to enhance the performance of players by helping to keep them drier, cooler and lighter. It achieves this by drawing sweat away from the body to the fabric's surface for fast drying.
The home shorts are designed in traditional royal blue with a white flash on the side, while the socks are white with a green and yellow band, featuring the five World Cup winning stars running down the calf on one sock and down the shin on the other one.
The Brazil National Team will wear the new kit while pursuing their qualification for the World Cup 2010. In addition, the team will also wear the kit in Beijing, where the team will go after the only international accolade they have yet to bring home: the Olympic Gold Medal.
The new jersey will reach Brazilian stores on November 21 at a suggested price of 250 Brazilian reais (US$ 143).
