Football: Armadillo is 2014 World Cup mascot

PARIS: Brazil has chosen an armadillo as the mascot for the 2014 World Cup, football’s world governing body Fifa has revealed, although the cartoon creature has yet to be named. “I’m delighted to welcome such an important member to the 2014 team,” said legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo, who is now on the local organising committee for the competition. “The mascot will play a key ambassadorial role in the next two years. I’m sure he will inspire many young football fans in Brazil and all over the world with the great passion which he has for the sport and for his country.” The three-banded armadillo, which is indigenous to Brazil and known as the ‘tatu-bola’, is an endangered species. Its cartoon likeness wears a white Brazil 2014 t-shirt and green shorts and has its own official song.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2012.