In the second-most dramatic qualifier of the night, France squeezed by a determined Ukrainian side to secure their spot at the top table of world football, reversing a 2-0 aggregate deficit on a famous night at the Stade de France.
Now, not only can football fans relish in seeing Ribery, Benzema, Pogba & Co., but we can also savour the first of Nike’s World Cup football shirts and get a feel for what the brand has in store for Brazil 2014.
For the France World Cup Home Shirt 2014, Nike have drawn inspiration from' NÄ‚®mes, a town in the south of France.
NÄ‚®mes was the birthplace of modern denim, and the fabric takes its name from the town (literally de NÄ‚®mes'). NÄ‚®mes is historically known for its textiles and patterns and the landscape of NÄ‚®mes is said to have inspired today's rugged denim as well as the silk shawls worn throughout Europe in the 18th' century.
This paradox between raw denim and elegant silk mirrored Nike designers„desire to create a beautiful design aesthetic for the French home shirt.
The design team spent time refining the home kit's collar focusing on comfort and beauty. The collar and side-hem also feature a selvedge-like accent.
The crest features a new design inspired by the 1958 crest and reflects players„feedback of wanting to Ĺ›feel the history of our countryĹĄ.
The cockerel-design has' been enlarged, freed from its badge and given the space to again' become the ultimate symbol of French national pride.' It’s also' beautifully embroidered just above the heart and on the bottom of each player's number, and a flag is placed on the inside of the neck on each kit.
Nike’s key technologies this time out have a ring of familiarity for this World Cup; after some truly special efforts in 2010 it’s more a case of Evolution over Revolution for the Swoosh on this batch of World Cup shirts.
Some of Brazil’s climes will make for tough playing conditions,' but Nike will be looking to keep players cool with' a combination of Nike Dri-FIT Technology, Ĺ›burnoutĹĄ mesh and laser-cut ventilation holes.
Additionally, you’ll see the environmentally-considered design aspect return, with' the shirt, shorts ' – and for the first time in a national team kit, the socks – all feature fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. (100% recycled polyester in the shorts, 96% recycled polyester in the shirt and 78% in the socks). ' Each kit is made using an average of 18 recycled plastic bottles.
Nike have reconsidered the fit, too, with 3D full-body scans of some of their elite athletes providing feedback and design insight no how to give the shirts a more tailored, streamlined look whilst still providing top-tier comfort.
We think Nike have struck on to another winner in the new France World Cup Home Shirt – but what do you think?
Let us know in the comments!
