VSHN.timer #233: The digital elves involved in the game of football

Welcome to another VSHN.timer! Every Monday, 5 links related to Kubernetes, OpenShift, CI / CD, and DevOps; all stuff coming out of our own chat system, making us think, laugh, or simply work better.

So, without further ado… Hooray, the football festivities are underway! After the Swiss national team’s convincing performance in their first group match against Hungary last Saturday, even the hindmost have crawled out from under their stones and are bathing in the EURO 2024 euphoria! And what could be more natural for a VSHN.timer than to lift the curtain on the ball game and take a glimpse at the IT behind it?

1. FUSSBALLLIEBE: the ball for EURO 2024
   An article from AS USA provides an in-depth look at the design and technology behind the official match ball for EURO 2024. The ball features advanced sensor technology that works in tandem with VAR and semi-automated offside systems, ensuring accurate and efficient officiating during matches:
   https://en.as.com/soccer/euro-2024-new-ball-revealed-by-adidas-what-new-technology-does-it-contain-what-is-the-design-n
   
2. Data experts are becoming football’s best signings
   When former astrophysicist Laurie Shaw joined Manchester City as a data analyst, it underscored the growing importance of data in football. Shaw’s team uses extensive player and match data to improve performance, a practice now common even among smaller clubs thanks to affordable technology. Innovations like optical tracking and wearable devices are revolutionizing how teams manage fitness and tactics, making data analysis a crucial element in modern football strategy:
   https://www.bbc.com/news/business-56164159
   
3. Effective injury forecasting in football with GPS training data and machine learning
   Injuries significantly impact professional football by affecting team performance and incurring high rehabilitation costs. This paper presents a multi-dimensional injury forecasting approach using GPS and machine learning, demonstrating its accuracy and practical application in evaluating and interpreting the complex relationships between training workload and injury risk:
   https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0201264
   
4. Online betting during EURO 2024
   Online betting sees a significant surge during major tournaments like EURO 2024. Betting companies are leveraging AI to offer more accurate predictions and personalized betting options. Moreover, the rise of VR and AR technologies is enhancing the betting experience, providing real-time statistics and immersive environments for bettors:​
   https://europeangaming.eu/portal/latest-news/2023/12/18/149550/2024-sports-betting-trends-and-predictions
   
5. Internet porn usage trends related to football matches
   And now for something spicy! This study suggest that internet porn usage can decrease during major football matches as fans focus on watching the games. Conversely, there might be a spike in football-themed pornography! (apparently, this really is a thing!) This pattern highlights how significant events like EURO 2024 can influence broader internet usage trends, including the consumption of adult content:
   https://www.iflscience.com/pornhubs-data-shows-something-hilarious-is-happening-during-the-world-cup-48759

Are you following EURO 2024? If so, which team are you rooting for? And do you think the introduction of modern technology such as the new Adidas football, VAR, etc. is a good thing? Get in touch with us, and see you next week for another edition of VSHN.timer.

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