Pikachu Brings a Little Manliness to the 2014 World Cup as Japan’s Mascot

Soccer, as we know, isn't the most man-tastic sport. There's nary a helmet or other piece of armor-y kit in sight, unlike American Football. And when there's no danger of face-mangling collisions or blood-leaking injuries, what the hell's the point? We may as well go and play backgammon with grandma, or take a crack at her 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle of some kittens dicking about.

Still, the US team have made it to World Cup 2014 once again. Perhaps we can bring a little G.I Joe testosterone to proceedings. Unlike Japan, who are bringing... Pikachu and Bulbasaur and other garishly-colored cutesy Poké-beasts.

Yes indeed, IGN reports that the electric rat-thing has been chosen as the official mascot of the Japanese team. Of course it has; alongside the ubiquitous Mario it's their best-known gaming export. And why the hell not? If Pokémon is good enough for Super Bowl players, we say have at it.

Gotta Catch Em All! Except soccer, unlike American Football, doesn't allow catching (goalie aside). So Can't Catch the Effer at All would be rather more apt.

Via IGN.