adidas 'Tango 12' EURO 2012 Official Match Ball
A major tournament means the launch of a new football, which brings a lot of attention from fans and players alike. Unveiled on stage during the EURO 2012 finals draw, SoccerBible are one of the first to get our hands on the adidas "Tango 12" ball to bring you a first close-up look at the new Official Match Ball for the EURO 2012.
Based on the classic Tango design used during both the FIFA World Cup and EURO tournaments during the early 1980s, the adidas Tango 12 features a modern interpretation of the design including a coloured outline inspired by the flags of the two host nations - Poland and Ukraine.
Complementing the design, the adidas Tango 12 features a series of triangular panels that are thermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path. Covering each panel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact and enhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball lies a woven carcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.
The adidas Tango 12, which has been developed over a two-year period, underwent two rigorous types of testing - qualitative player testing, which was conducted across eight different countries, using players, federations and clubs from both elite and grass roots football, and quantitative lab testing, which concluded that the adidas Tango 12 meets and exceeds all FIFA Approved Standards for an Official Match Ball making it the most tested ball adidas has ever produced.
The adidas Tango 12 is the eleventh Official Match Ball produced for the EURO tournament leading on from a rich history in adidas football development which started in 1963. During that period, three Tango inspired designs have been produced for the EURO tournaments -- the 1980 Tango River Plate, the 1984 Tango Mundial and the 1988 Tango Europa -- making the adidas Tango 12 the fourth in its history.
The adidas Tango 12 will be used on field during the EURO 2012 which kicks off on June 8th when tournament hosts Poland take to the field at The National Stadium Warsaw. All competing federations will receive an allocation of thirty Official Match Balls during the week commencing December 5th, six months ahead of the tournament, for training and competitive use.
The adidas 'Tango 12' football is available to purchase now from selected retailers. Now you've had a close-up look at the ball, what do you think of the adidas Tango 12, the new EURO 2012 Official Match Ball? Share your thoughts online
