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'Brazuca' World Cup ball storms Twitter

The Brazuca has already made friends with former Brazil captain Cafu © YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images

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The official match ball for the 2014 World Cup - the Brazuca - has been unveiled in Brazil, and has already made a splash on Twitter.

So last night I was born, achieved sentience, joined Twitter and had a party held in my honour in Rio. This. Is. The. Life #ballin

— brazuca (@brazuca) December 4, 2013

The self-aware football has gained over 28,000 followers and counting, and is already in deep conversation with former England striker Gary Lineker, reminiscing about the Azteca, the iconic stadium in Mexico which hosted the 1970 World Cup final - won 4-1 by Brazil - as well as the scene of the 'Hand of God' in 1986.

.@GaryLineker I'm great, Gary. I've had 2.5 years of testing with 600 top players. Uncle Azteca speaks very highly of you #GoldenBoot

— brazuca (@brazuca) December 4, 2013

The name is a reference to the Brazilian way of life - and the Brazuca certainly isn't shy, as evidenced by this snap posted to its account with synchronised swimmers and identical twins Bia and Branca Feres:

My favourite guests from last night were probably Bia and Branca Feres! #probably #DEFINITELY #ballin pic.twitter.com/hWQYBwwUNz

— brazuca (@brazuca) December 4, 2013

Unveiled in the iconic Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, developers Adidas have added all the latest bells and whistles. The Brazuca contains a new structural innovation, with a unique symmetry of six identical panels alongside a different surface structure that will provide improved grip, touch, stability and aerodynamics. And the new colour scheme - a distinct and vibrant ribbon design - symbolises the traditional multi-coloured wish bracelets worn in Brazil. It's certain to go down a treat.

Hopefully the Brazuca won't ruin the World Cup quite as much as the infamous Jabulani did last time out in South Africa. Whereas the beach ball-esque Jabulani was tamable by no man, sailing haplessly into stands from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth upon the slightest touch, thankfully Adidas have actually bothered to do some research this time. The Brazuca is the most tested ball in history, enduring a two-and-a-half-year period where it was given a good going over by the likes of Iker Casillas, Dani Alves and Lionel Messi.

And they were definitely impressed. Messi told the Guardian: "I've had the opportunity to test Brazuca and it's great," while Casillas is "looking forward to playing in Brazil with a great ball."

But will the Brazuca go the same way as the Jabulani - namely to the SportsDirect bargain bin - or make Brazil 2014 a World Cup to remember?

Over to you, Brazuca.

.@SeppBlatter Mr. President! Let's get this show on the road! See you at the #LiveDraw.

— brazuca (@brazuca) December 3, 2013

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