There is suspense in the air. On the field, I mean. Soccer is like that, a show that touches all, including Chemistry. That is it. A full team of chemicals comes to the stadium. Without the chemical team, soccer would lose much of its color, although their names would totally disturb the sports commentators if they had to be announced.

Look at the grass in the field. There may be the triple superphosphate, the potassium chloride and the ammonium sulfate, strong fertilizers for crop protection, playing together with the herbicides to keep the base green, firm and uniform, because that is where the ball rolls. And talking about ball, guess who takes all that kicking: polyvinyl chloride, that has replaced the animal leather in the manufacture of the essential element of any game: the soccer ball. The polyvinyl chloride, well known in all the world as PVC, plays in all positions: It will be found in the flags and banners waved by the fans, in the field drainage system and even in the covering of the stadium chairs. With rain or sunshine, the PVC sheets will be there and will save the show. But there are other players in the chemical team. For the feet of the players, the list includes the ABS, the polypropylene, used for the manufacture of cleats for the soccer shoes, besides the resins of polyurethane, elastomers and special adhesives, all to allow for the dribbling and passing that magnetize (or demagnetize) the fans. Micro-fibers of polyester have been designated for the uniforms, which are now stronger to resist the pulls (careful, yellow card!), lighter and more comfortable. And, to catch the ball, avoiding doubts and letting loose the scream of the crowd announcing goal!!!…There is the nylon net, covering what the radio speakers used to call the "citadel". Chemistry, of course, will also be with the fans, painting faces with special team colors, doing noise with the polyethylene horns and drums which use polyester film instead of animal leather, and greeting the teams to celebrate the goals with the potassium nitrate, used for the fireworks. Chemistry, as you have noticed, will have its participation assured in any championship.

Text: Luiz Carlos de Medeiros (Mtb 12.293) English version by Joe Vianna (translat@mvpisp.com)