Women’s World Cup semi final and final ball released: Final Oceaunz

Adidas have released a new ball for the semi finals and final of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Known as the Final Oceaunz, the ball is similar to the edition used for all previous fixtures in the tournament.

However, as has become customary in football, some design elements have changed on the ball as we approach the climax of what has been a spectacular tournament full of shocks, surprises and brilliant football.

The original Oceaunz was released ahead of the showpiece event and was the ninth successive football Adidas has produced for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. The name incorporates the abbreviations for both host nations Australia (AU) and New Zealand (NZ) and features graphics that are a nod to the Indian ocean, the body of water that surrounds the western side of Australia.

Chern’ee Sutton and Fiona Collis are native artists who had a hand in design of both the ball and the Women’s World Cup logo, which both have common elements that represent various aspects of the cultures of the two nations.

As for the Final Oceaunz ball, the majority of the design is the same as before, with the various cultural elements still present. However, there is a slight change of colour to the originally white background, as the ball has now been tinted with yellow, red and gold.

Adidas say the change is colour scheme reflects “the beauty of Australia’s and New Zealand’s unique terrain” as well as the trophy of the Women’s World Cup. The ball will also be used in the third-place playoff game, between the two losing semi-finalists.

Adidas’ full description of the ball is as follows:

Made for landmark moments at the highest level. The official match football used during the semi-finals, third-place playoff and final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, the adidas Final Oceaunz Pro Ball flashes earthy tones and shimmering shades of yellow and gold that reflect the beauty of Australia’s and New Zealand’s unique terrain — and the FIFA trophy. Its seamless construction ensures a predictable flight and bounce. That Quality Pro stamp is FIFA’s highest rating.