Photos: The World Cup runs on tech

World Cup 2006, the biggest sporting event on Earth, kicked off in Germany on 9 June and continues until the final on 9 July. Football may be one of the most simple sports, but this year's tournament features new technology on the pitch and incredible new opportunities for fans to follow the action.

Each match will be played with a new Adidas 'Teamgeist' ball with a 14-panel configuration that forms an almost perfectly smooth exterior. The new ball construction promises to give players increased accuracy and control, and has already been the subject of criticism after two spectacular goals in the opening match between Germany and Costa Rica.

Credit: Adidas

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