Fifa's new ball for World Cup 2018 knockout phase
From June 30, when the round of the last 16 begins, players will have to contend with the Telstar Mechta's new design, a red colour to align with the host nation. </br><a title=" The USA vs. Ecuador live and direct: Friendly FIFA Date " href=" https://us.as.com/us/2019/03/21/futbol/1553206677_683801.html"> The USA vs. Ecuador live and direct: Friendly FIFA Date </a>
The knockout games of the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be played using a different ball to the one used in the group stage.
Change of ball for knockout phase
As revealed by Fifa, from the round of 16, which will begin on June 30, all matches will use the Telstar Mechta with a new design, one that highlights the red colour of the host country, Russia. It is also to signify the 'rising heat of knockout-stage football' according to Fifa.
The name itself means 'dreams' or 'ambitions' in Russian and pays homage to the aspirations of football players and fans. The new vivid red colour will be obvious to the viewer but the Adidas ball is made with the same design elements as the Telstar 18, the ball used in the group stage. It has, however, been adapted to 'reflect the added intensity and opportunity the knockout stage brings'.
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Both the Telstar 18 and Telstar Mechta feature an embedded NFC chip. This is the first time it is ever been used in an Official Match Ball. From what we've witnessed through the group stages - including some marvellous strikes - the ball has been performing well.
Want to see how the World Cup ball has evolved over the years? Here you go.