adidas has revealed OCEAUNZ – what will be the official match ball for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand 2023. It’s the ninth successive football adidas has produced for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and has been designed to cope with the demands and speed of the modern game. Visually, it could be one of the best looking soccer balls we have seen released in the past few years!

Set on a white pearlescent background, OCEAUNZ’s design features a decoration of blues and greens, inspired by the unique Australasian landscape, with visuals nodding to the vast mountains of New Zealand and Australia’s connection with the Indian Ocean. The cultural markings and the initials of both host nations celebrate the coming together of Australia and New Zealand – as they prepare to host this showpiece tournament. The Australian patterns have been created by renowned local artist, Chern’ee Sutton, while the markings representing New Zealand were designed by Kiwi artist, Fiona Collis.

OCEAUNZ is also decorated with patterns that represent different elements of the sport, such as footballs and goals, ensuring the game is represented on the face of the ball.

“With record viewing figures for the Women’s Euros tournament last year, the upcoming World Cup is set to be a massive moment for the game that we love. We’re turning up with a match ball that we’re incredibly proud of – featuring our innovative technology and with a design that represents the natural beauty of the landscape in which it will be played. The game is always evolving, and the design of the OCEAUNZ is built to help players cope with the pace and demands of the modern game. We’re hugely excited for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and to see the women’s game lifted to even further heights, in two fantastic host nations.” Franziska Loeffelmann, Design Director Football Graphics at adidas.

Like the Official Match Ball of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, OCEAUNZ features connected ball technology, providing precise ball data, which will be made available to Video Match Officials in real-time. Combined with player position data and by applying artificial intelligence, the innovative connected ball technology contributes to FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology and offers Video Assistant Referees instantaneous information to help optimize decision-making.

I’m pretty sure this is going to be a popular ball to own given the surge in anticipation for the Women’s World Cup and the visually stunning design of the ball.

It will be available soon to purchase at SOCCER.com.

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This weekend, we get to see Argentina and France go head to head in the World Cup Final. It is crazy that the greatest soccer tournie is already coming to an end. Adidas has announced that “Al Hilm” will be the official match ball for the game! This is the same ball that was used in the semi-final games, so it might look a little familiar.

“Al Hilm”, translated as “The Dream” in Arabic, features a shimmering golden color palette, similar to the shades seen at the final venue and on the famous trophy. It combines Speedshell panel technology, surface texturing and diamond debossing for high-precision play.

You can actually find the World Cup final match ball with match-up and date printed on the surface of Al Hilm at SOCCER.com.

The ball has been designed from the inside out using data and rigorous testing at adidas labs, in wind tunnels and on the pitch by football players themselves. And according to adidas, Al Hilm is expected to provide “the highest levels of accuracy and reliability on the field of play, partly due to its new panel shape and surface textures.”

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As we head into the knockout phase of the World Cup in Qatar, the adidas Al Rihla soccer ball continues to the star of the show – and thankfully, for all the right reasons!

The ‘Al Rihla’ takes its name from the Arabic word for ‘the journey’ and is inspired by the architecture, boats, and flag of host nation Qatar. The ball has been designed from the inside out using data and rigorous testing at adidas labs, in wind tunnels and on the pitch by football players themselves. And according to adidas, Al Rihla is expected to provide “the highest levels of accuracy and reliability on the field of play, partly due to its new panel shape and surface textures.”

Between the potential Ronaldo headed goal and the hugely important “over the endline” incident on Japan’s winning goal vs Spain, the ball has come up trumps.

On the Ronaldo incident, adidas were able to prove using the chip inside the ball that there was no touch as it passed by Ronaldo’s head. A chip inside the ball that measures impact showed no external forces impacted the balls flight.

“In the match between Portugal and Uruguay, using the Connected Ball Technology housed in adidas’s Al Rihla Official Match Ball, we are able to definitively show no contact on the ball from Cristiano Ronaldo for the opening goal in the game. No external force on the ball could be measured as shown by the lack of ‘heartbeat’ in our measurements. The 500Hz IMU sensor inside the ball allows us to be highly accurate in our analysis.”

Right before Japan scored their winning goal vs Spain, the ball seemed to cross the endline right before being crossed into the box. If you have been on social media the past 24hrs, you would have seen the mass frenzy of opinion that went with the decision. But, adidas and FIFA were able to verify the balls exact position as it crossed the endline, and there was a piece of the ball still in bounds. See the below video as an explanation on how perspective can be altered by the angle of the camera.

Other cameras may offer misleading images but on the evidence available, the whole of the ball was not out of play. pic.twitter.com/HKKEot0j1Y

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) December 2, 2022

What is most important is the fact the the Al Rihla ball has been in the news for the right reasons, and not because of performance issues like the Jabulani was. I’m not sure Adidas could have anticipated it getting just as much media coverage as it has, with so many up close images being posted online – and we are only getting to the all important knockout stage!

Al Rihla Match Ball Tech Specs:

– Speedshell PU skin with micro and macro textures.
– Thermally bonded seamless construction.
– 20-piece panel enhances aerodynamics and accuracy. Improves swerve of shots.
– CRT-Core improves accuracy, maximum shape and air retention.
– Pearlesecent skin.
– Meets FIFA Quality Pro Standards.

The post How the adidas Al Rihla Match Ball is Impacting The World Cup! appeared first on Soccer Cleats 101.

Easily one of the most visually stunning soccer balls on the market right now, the adidas UCL Pro Void is the current official match ball used in Champions League action. What is unusual about it is the fact adidas sort of just dropped it on the market, and we have all silently accepted its arrival.

It actually dropped about a month earlier than expected, and there was little PR behind it’s release. So, unless you are playing in Champions League, you have left to figure out for ourselves exactly what it has on offer. And that is where we come in to help.

“With a design inspired by the darkest depths of the universe, this adidas UCL Pro Void Ball has been created to help European soccer’s finest players sparkle on the pitch.”

Performance wise, the most important thing to note is the star-shaped grip texture that is only found on this ball. We are talking a full splattering of signature UCL style stars, ensuring you know what you are working with. It provides an enhanced level of touch and control, adding a unique tackiness as you look to get quick touches in tight spaces.

The design on the ball is really incredible. At a distance, it looks almost 3D, with the star ready to jump off the ball if you have the right glasses on. But, instead it is actually an intricate series of color blocks, all strategically positioned to create the effect. I’ve no idea how long the design took to piece together, but it works in the most incredible fashion. I still find myself sitting and staring at the design, silently applauding the team that created the visuals.

THERMALLY-BONDED SURFACE
The ball has a seamless surface for a more predictable trajectory, better touch and lower water intake.

FIFA QUALITY PRO
Stamped with FIFA’s highest rating after tests on circumference, weight, rebound and water absorption.

UCL OFFICIAL MATCH BALL
This match-quality soccer ball is the one you see on the pitch in UEFA Champions League group stage matches.

Find the adidas UCL Pro Void available at SOCCER.com.

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The official LaLiga Santander match football for the 2022/23 LaLiga season has been released, and I’ve got to admit that visually the PUMA ORBITA LaLiga looks spectacular! It features powerful visuals inspired by the hypnotic effect of a kaleidoscope, with vibrant fuchsia, blue and yellow colors integrated into the white base to ensure excellent ball visibility.

The PUMA ORBITA LaLiga ball offers a unique configuration of 12 large star-shaped panels, which results in a reduced number of seams and allows for a better flight. Puma also use state-of-the-art technology to create an optimal sphere, ensuring it maintains its shape and allows for less water absorption.

A POE foam is added to increase touch sensitivity, providing a firmer feel and better bounce consistency. In addition, the 1.2mm textured 3D PU surface improves aerodynamics and makes the ball more resistant to abrasion and wear, resulting in increased durability. The ball also features a rubber bladder and PAL (PUMA Air Lock) valve for optimal air retention and rebound properties.

Find the PUMA ORBITA available at SOCCER.com.

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Adidas has revealed a very unique Official Match Ball that will be used for the 2022 UEFA Champions League final. It will not be available for retail.

Using one of sport’s biggest stages as an opportunity to unite the world in a global message of peace, the ball has been inscribed with the words ‘мир | PEACE’. Instead of selling it, adidas will auction the ball used in the game with proceeds going to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to help protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.

Placed on the ball in bold lettering as a statement from UEFA, ‘мир’ in Cyrillic script can be translated as ‘peace’, which sits above the word in English – PEACE. The ball is designed to carry a simple message of peace, belonging, and hope that will be passed from player to player with every kick of the ball and beyond the Stade de France to the furthest corners of the world. The broader design of the ball is noticeably devoid of color, featuring pure white panels to symbolize truce and unity.

Find all the latest released adidas balls available at SOCCER.com.

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adidas has introducing Al Rihla, the Official match ball for this year’s 2022 World Cup tournament. This is the 14th successive ball that adidas has created for the FIFA World Cup.

From Telstar to the Jabulani and Brazuca, World Cup balls are consistently huge show stoppers and the interest around their release is pretty emphatic. When you have 32 teams and 1 ball to make their winning dreams possible, there is huge importance in how it performs on pitch.

The ‘Al Rihla’ takes its name from the Arabic word for ‘the journey’ and is inspired by the architecture, boats, and flag of host nation Qatar. The ball has been designed from the inside out using data and rigorous testing at adidas labs, in wind tunnels and on the pitch by football players themselves. And according to adidas, Al Rihla is expected to provide “the highest levels of accuracy and reliability on the field of play, partly due to its new panel shape and surface textures.”

– Speedshell PU skin with micro and macro textures.
– Thermally bonded seamless construction.
– 20-piece panel enhances aerodynamics and accuracy. Improves swerve of shots.
– CRT-Core improves accuracy, maximum shape and air retention.
– Pearlesecent skin.
– Meets FIFA Quality Pro Standards.

The official Al Rihla ball can be ordered at SOCCER.com.

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With the English Premier League about to enter its busy Christmas period, clubs have been equipped with the latest Nike hi-vis Winter ball. And this could be the most artistic we have ever seen!

Under the hood, it is the same Nike Flight soccer ball with all its high tech specs. It features Nike Aerowsculpt technology, a revolutionary new innovation in aerodynamics, with molded grooves for consistent flight, accuracy and control.

But it is the visuals that will catch the attention of fans in the crowd. Nike use a cartoon like color pattern, with the high-contrast graphics intended to help players track the ball as it moves across the pitch. There is a lot to understand about the Nike Flight ball, something we covered extensively when testing it after initial release.

If you want to be one of the first, find this ball available at SOCCER.com.

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The official match ball for the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy has been released, the Adidas Uniforia Finale. It is the same style of ball that has been used throughout the tournament, this version just features a standout silver outer casing – ready to be used when silverware is up for grabs!

Key features have been added to celebrate the location of the final, with watermark details of Wembley Stadium. Then there is the signal green, red, cyan and pink brushstrokes that are inspired by iconic London symbols and traditional colors of football celebration. They sit in between a black background, representing the dark London night sky.

There are three different price points available for the ball, from an entry level practice ball to a replica match version. Find them all at SOCCER.com.

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Nike continue their desire to create innovate products by turning trash into treasure. They just announced a new skills soccer ball, “Next Nature”, that is made entirely from recycled material, designed to inspire creativity in young players.

The outer shell is made entirely from recycled airbags giving a dynamic look that lets you see through to the 100% recycled yarn fill inside.

So, there is one kicker. This is not a ball that is immediately available, instead it is a concept that Nike are using as an example of what they are looking to create using sustainable products. See it as a prototype that should eventually lead to an affordable final product that the Swoosh will be able to make accessible to players that need a ball.

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