New match ball for final stages

FIFA have confirmed a new match ball will be used for the final stages, replacing the existing model that has been used throughout the tournament so far.

The Al Hilm (The Dream), which succeeds the Al Rihla (The Journey), will be used in the semi-finals, third-place playoff and final, having been introduced for the last four games by Adidas.

The existing ball, which has been implemented with technology to assist in tracking and helping referee decisions across the tournament, has been used so far across the group stages and initial knockout rounds.

But the Al Hilm, which will come with a gold base design and triangular pattern paying tribute to the deserts surrounding major host city Doha, will now take its place. — dpa