Meaning: 'Following' means to be engaged with or to pay attention to something, in this case, the World Cup.

Wrong options:

• hallowing: 'Hallowing' means to make holy or sacred, which does not fit the context of watching or engaging with a sports event.
• composting: 'Composting' refers to the process of recycling organic matter, which is unrelated to the context of sports.
• shadowing: 'Shadowing' means to follow someone closely or to imitate, but it does not convey the active engagement with the World Cup as 'following' does.

Correct answer: overtime

Explanation: 'Overtime' is the correct answer as it refers to the additional time played in a game when the score is tied, fitting the context of breaking ties in sports.

Meaning: 'Overtime' means extra time added to a game to determine a winner when the score is tied at the end of regulation time.

Wrong options:

• concubine: 'Concubine' refers to a woman who is in a recognized relationship with a man but has lower status than his wife, which is irrelevant to the context of sports.
• neuroendocrine: 'Neuroendocrine' relates to the interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system, which does not apply to the context of sports.
• chyme: 'Chyme' is a term used in digestion to describe the semi-fluid mass of partly digested food, which is unrelated to the context of breaking ties in a game.

Correct answer: goalkeeper

Explanation: 'Goalkeeper' is the correct term as it refers to the player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring, fitting perfectly in the context of a penalty kick.

Meaning: 'Goalkeeper' is the player in soccer who guards the goal and is responsible for stopping the ball from entering the net.

Wrong options:

• goodlier: 'Goodlier' is an archaic comparative form of 'good,' which does not fit the context of describing a player in soccer.
• hosier: 'Hosier' refers to a person who makes or sells hosiery, which is irrelevant to the context of sports.
• palmier: 'Palmier' is a type of pastry and does not relate to the role of a player in soccer.

Correct answer: scientists

Explanation: 'Scientists' is the correct answer as it refers to individuals who study and conduct research, fitting the context of those at Rensselaer Institute conducting studies on kickers.

Meaning: 'Scientists' are professionals who engage in systematic study and research in various fields, including sports science.

Wrong options:

• hypoglycaemics: 'Hypoglycaemics' refers to substances that lower blood sugar levels, which is unrelated to the context of sports research.
• motorcyclists: 'Motorcyclists' are individuals who ride motorcycles, which does not fit the context of scientific research on soccer players.
• survivalists: 'Survivalists' are people who prepare for emergencies or disasters, which is not relevant to the context of studying sports.

Correct answer: Polytechnic

Explanation: 'Polytechnic' is the correct term as it refers to an institution that specializes in technical and vocational education, fitting the context of Rensselaer Institute.

Meaning: 'Polytechnic' refers to a type of educational institution that focuses on teaching technical and applied sciences.

Wrong options:

• Nepotistic: 'Nepotistic' refers to favoritism based on family relationships, which does not describe an educational institution.
• Sophistic: 'Sophistic' relates to a method of reasoning that is misleading or fallacious, which is not relevant to the context of an educational institution.
• Acerbic: 'Acerbic' means sharp or biting in tone or taste, which does not apply to the description of an educational institution.

Correct answer: attached

Explanation: 'Attached' is the correct choice as it indicates that the motion detectors were affixed to the kickers, fitting grammatically and contextually in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Attached' means to be fastened or connected to something, in this case, the motion detectors to the kickers.

Wrong options:

• thrust: 'Thrust' means to push or drive with force, which does not fit the context of how the detectors were used.
• cart: 'Cart' refers to a vehicle or container for transporting goods, which is irrelevant to the context of attaching devices.
• shot: 'Shot' can refer to a photograph or an attempt to score in sports, but it does not fit the context of attaching motion detectors.