photo: reuters
When Mario Balotelli scored his 2nd goal in the Euro 2012 semi final between Italy and Germany, he celebrated by taking off his shirt revealing 3 light blue vertical strips/stripes of tape on his lower back and made an invincible hulk-like pose symbolizing that he was unstoppable and he had indeed arrived. Some have speculated that it could be some form of advertising for Adidas, which would be illegal and earn Balotelli a massive fine.
(not actual adidas ad – photoshopped for effect)
The referee gave Balotelli a yellow card for removing his shirt. When asked about this during an interview, Balotelli said: “My team didn’t get angry because I was booked — but they saw my physique and got jealous!”
However after some research, we have discovered that the 3 blue strips of tape are called Kinesio Tape. Kinesio Tape is an elastic thereupeutic tape invented by Japanese Chiropracter Dr.Kenzo Kase in 1970. It is made from a latex free hypoallergenic cotton fiber with an acrylic heat activated back that stretches up to 60% of its normal length. It can be used for up to 3-5 days straight and can withstand normal cardio exercise and swimming. The tape is used for relaxing over worked muscles and is popular among elite athletes. It is also used for joint pain and helps with joint alignment.
In Balotellis case he probably experiences tension on his lower back. The tape would have assisted Balotelli in reducing any lower back pain, muscle fatigue and would help increase his range of motion.
Other athletes seen with the tape include Gael Monifs , Kerri Walsh, David Beckham and Serena Williams.
At half time the score was Italy 2 – Germany 0 with Balotelli having scored both goals.
Germany managed to pull one back in the second half via a Mesut Özil penalty but this was too little to late.
We now wait for Sunday’s Euro 2012 Final between Italy and Spain to see who will be crowned kings of Europe.
William Hill has 7/1 betting odds on Balotelli to score and Italy to win the Euro 2012 Final e.g bet 20 and get winnings of 160
Mario Balotelli is so awesome!!!!!!!!!!! Those goals that he scored were terrific. Go Balotelli!
What’s special about Kinesio Tape?
Kinesio Tape and the method of adhesive application help to promote directional stretch and breathability. As the muscle relaxes, the taped portion forms wrinkles, microscopically lifting the skin from the fascia beneath. The result is that pressure and irritation are taken off the neural and sensory receptors, alleviating pain. Pressure is also gradually taken off the lymphatic system, allowing it to channel more freely, without affecting circulation or the user’s range of motion.
Kinesio Tape has become so popular for both professional sports players and recreational athletes.
http://www.physioroom.com/products/kinesio_tape.php
have a nice Day! ^^. (joel)
Wow, so that was what was on Balotelli’s back. Thanks for the heads up!
I was wondering what those strips were for. I thought it was for advertising purposes.
Great to know what the tape is used for.
Those 2 goals that he scored were awesome!
Kinesio tape, cool.
Yeah!!!!!!! Balotelli is awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwesome! I love him!
Amazing game and awesome goals scored by Balotelli, but no follow through in the final. Disappointing!
Don’t care what anyone says. I’m still rooting for Balotelli! Scorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t think the tape would’ve helped him at all in the final. He had way too many Spanish players on his tail!
I’ve heard that this tape works quite well. I guess Balotelli should’ve used it in the final against Spain.