New Delhi: FIFA has changed the official match ball of the Qatar World Cup and has brought in Al Hilm in place of Al Rihla. Al Hilm will be used to play the semi-finals and the finals of the World Cup. The name Al Hilm translates to ‘the dream’ while Al Rihla means ‘the dream’. The ball has been replaced after complaints about it being lighter, which gave it an extra flight and made goal-scoring difficult.
There have been 120 goals in the FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage with Al Rihla, while there were 136 goals in the 48 group games in Brazil World Cup and the Russia World Cup had 122. During the knockouts in Qatar, there have been 38 goals in 12 games. England defender Kieran Tripper complained about the ball being lighter and English captain Harry Kane’s missed penalty against France added to the speculation.
According to Johannes Holzmuller, Director of Football Technology & Innovation at FIFA, Adidas has created Al Hilm in such a way that the data from the ball will unlock new insights for unique moments on the pitch. The design of the ball is inspired by the deserts around Doha city, the Qatar flag and the colour of the World Cup trophy.
4 teams. united by a dream that will soon become reality.
introducing Al Hilm, the Official World Cup 2022 Match Ball for the Semi-Finals and Final.
available now through adidas online and retail stores.#fifaworldcup pic.twitter.com/EM4idCh8U3
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) December 11, 2022
The ball is expected to add to the thrill in the semis. The first semi-final game will be played against Argentina and Croatia on December 14 at 12:30 am IST while France and Morocco will face each other on December 15 at 12:30 am. The finals will be played on December 18 and there will be a third-place game a day before.
