July 8 – Adidas has unveiled its ‘Fussballliebe Finale’ Official Match Ball for the Euro 2024 semi finals and final in Germany.
The ball, which is now available to purchase via adidas, features an updated colour scheme akin to hosts Germany’s flag. It is also equipped with Connected Ball technology – which delivers precise ball data to video match officials in real time.
Combining player position data with AI, the technology has contributed to UEFA’s semi-automated offside technology and has been key to supporting in-match decisions throughout the tournament.
Spain will meet France in the first semi-final in Munich on Tuesday, marking the ball’s debut on the tournament stage. Spain have looked formidable in the tournament thus far, knocking out hosts Germany in a thrilling quarter final which was decided by Mikel Merino’s towering header in the 119th minute.
France, meanwhile, have struggled in front of goal. Les Bleus are yet to score a goal from open play, with their three-goal tournament tally coming from two own goals and a penalty. Perhaps a new ball will help improve this.
Though the French attack is a far cry from its glittering best, their defensive record has snuck under the radar. The team has conceded just a singular goal across five games, including clean sheets versus Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands.
England and Netherlands will meet at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Wednesday to decide the other Euro 2024 finalist, with Dutch star Cody Gakpo still leading the golden boot race.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1731606483labto1731606483ofdlr1731606483owedi1731606483sni@g1731606483niwe.1731606483yrrah1731606483