07 Nov Adidas launches next salvo in World Cup blitz (pic)

Adidas on Wednesday released the latest salvo in the ongoing battle to get the biggest slice of sales from next year’s World Cup soccer tournament.

The once-every-four-year event is considered the world’s most-watched athletic event and gives a big lift to the athletic footwear and apparel industry.

Overall sales for Adidas climbed 14 percent in 2010, the year of the last World Cup.

“When there’s a World Cup year, it’s an Adidas year,” said Patrik Nilsson, president of Adidas America, in July.