The World Cup, the greatest sporting event in the calendar, kicks off in Russia tomorrow night.
But if a summer of football fills you with the dread of hundreds of awkward conversations about players you've never heard of applying tactics you don't understand, rest easy: Amazon has you covered.It's Alexa voice assistant, as found in its Echo speakers and smartphone apps, has been updated to help even the most football-phobic bluff their way through the tournament.You'll be able to ask Alexa trivia questions, like the year England won the World Cup, to more specific questions, like what a "false nine" is or info on Brazil's Roberto Firmino.And, if you just want a daily rundown of everything you need to blag your way through a conversation on a day-by-day basis, just ask "Alexa, how do I bluff my way through the World Cup" for the latest info you need.Things to tryWhile Amazon has hundreds of questions around football and the World Cup that Alexa can answer, it's suggested kicking off with the following:Alexa, what is a false nine in footballAlexa, what is advantage in footballAlexa, what is pressing in footballAlexa, what is counter-attacking in footballAlexa, what is putting it in the mixer in footballAlexa, what is parking the bus in footballAlexa, what is Row Z in footballAlexa, why do international footballers win capsAlexa, what does it mean when a football player plays in the holeAlexa, whens the first World Cup gameAlexa, what teams are in the World CupAlexa, who won the last World CupAlexa, what country has won the most World CupsAlexa, what group is Sweden in for the World CupAlexa, when do England play next in the World CupAlexa, who scored for GermanyAlexa, when do Iceland play next in the World CupAlexa, whats the score of the Panama gameAlexa, did Japan win in the World CupAlexa, who scored for FranceTheIndianSubcontinent is going football mad this summer, with a host of features looking at the intersection between technology and football, and how gadgetry and gizmos can make the beautiful game more beautiful, and you a more graceful player.
Check out our World Cup tech hub for more.