With the quarter finals out of the way we’re down to the final four and the real business end of the tournament. For that, adidas have unveiled a new match ball, the Al Hilm, which will be used in both semi finals and the final.
It’s been an exciting ride in Qatar, but now, with just two potential games ahead of the ultimate dream, adidas retire the ‘Al Rihla’ match ball in favour of the golden hues of the ‘Al Hilm’. Makes sense given that ‘Al Rihla’ translates to The Journey in Arabic, while Al Hilm means The Dream. Both balls feature the same technology, engineered to support the highest game speeds as they travel faster in flight than any other World Cup ball. Al Hilm is revealed with a unique graphic design, befitting of an occasion as historic as the final matches of a FIFA World Cup.
The design of Al Hilm is set on a textured gold base colour, which features a subtle triangular pattern, drawing inspiration from the sparkling deserts of the region that surround the city, the colour of the FIFA World Cup trophy, and the pattern of the Qatar flag. Bold red accents complement the graphic, reflecting both the generative architecture of Qatar, and once again, the country’s flag.
The ball encapsulates its namesake, Al Hilm – “The Dream”, as it connects to the twilight hours, where the red sky meets the desert sand at dusk – a time when dreams are set to come true under the floodlights of the Lusail Stadium – the stage for the Final.
“Al Hilm represents a beacon of light on the power of sport and football to bring the world together. Millions will tune in from almost every country around the globe, united by their passion for the game. We wish all teams involved in the final stages of the tournament the best of luck as they compete on the largest stage that football has to offer” said Nick Craggs, General Manager – Football, adidas.
Pick up the adidas Al Hilm match ball at prodirectsport.com/soccer
