WORLD CUP OFFICIAL MATCH BALLS

Elvis Rukungu

1930 OFFICIAL MATCH BALL

The first ever world cup was played in 1930, and was hosted by both Uruguay and Argentina.

Was named the Model T ball.

The ball used for this match was made by leather, and during these times the material used not of the best quality wasn’t durable.

FEDERALE 102

Official match ball of the 1934 FIFA world cup in Italy.

Manufactured in Italy, and is preceded by the Model T ball.

ALLEN

Preceded by the federale 102.

Was the match ball of the 1938 FIFA world cup in France.

SUPER DUPLO T

This was the official match ball of the 1950 world cup in Brazil.

The world cup was not available in the years of 1938 – 1945 due to World war 2.

FOOTAGE FROM 1950S

Super Duplo T in action as seen in the photograph.

“CRACK”

Official match ball of world cup Chile in 1962.

Different design than previous years.

Enhanced look of the Model T, Allen, and Federal 102.

SLAZENGER MATCH BALL

Made specifially for the world cup final match between England and West Germany in 1966.

England were the hosts of the 1966 world cup.

SLAZENGER IN ACTION

World cup final match between West Germany and England in 1966.

England became the victors with a final score of 4-2.

ADIDAS TELSTAR

Adidas Telstar, the official match ball of the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

Designed to make the ball more visible on black and white television.

“Telstar” is short for television star.

Ball remained the same for the 1974 world cup.

JOHAN CRUYFF AND THE TELSTAR

Johan Cruyff is known as a football/soccer legend to this date.

He is widely regarded as one of the best attackers in his era, with his pinpoint accuracy and deadly dribbling ability. He also had great vision and had a tally of assists.

ADIDAS TANGO DURLAST

Used in the 1978 world cup hosted in Argentina.

Was the most expensive match ball at the time, costing about £50, which is equivalent to $83.

Same design was used for the next 20 years.

ADIDAS AZTECA

Same design as the tango durlast.

Was made with synthetic material however.

Was used in the 1986 World cup hosted in Mexico. Its design was inspired by Mexico’s native Aztec architecture.

DIEGO MARADONA AND THE AZTECA

Diego Maradona is also considered one of the football greats during his era. Was described to have a similar playing style to Johan cruyff, but he played more of an attacking role. He also had a low center of gravity which gave him an advantage in short sprints. Won the 1986 World cup with Argentina.

ADIDAS QUESTRA

Official match ball of the 1994 world cup in the USA.

Ball was made for speed and control, ideal for attackers but goalkeepers complained because of the ball’s unpredictability.

ADIDAS TRICOLORE

First ever match ball to use color in its design.

It made its debut in the 1998 world cup France.

The colors on the ball represent the French flag.

ADIDAS FEVERNOVA

Ended the 20 year domination of the adidas tango design.

Received heavy criticism, and regarded as not a part of traditional match balls.

Steven Gerrard(left) and David Beckham(right) are shown balancing the ball on their heads.

Official match ball of the 2002 world cup in Korea and Japan.

BECKHAM AND FEVERNOVA

Beckham taking a penalty kick against Argentina.

ADIDAS TEMGEIST

Zidane presenting the Temgeist.

Official match ball of 2006 world cup hosted by Germany.

ADIDAS JABULANI

Jabulani means “celebrate” in Isizulu language.

Official match ball of 2010 world cup in South Africa.

SOURCES

The telegraph. Fifa world cup balls through history, 2014. Print. Web Source

http://hypedtalk.blogspot.com/2010/06/lets-know-history-of-fifa-world-cup.html

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/06/06/magazine/20100606-world-cup-balls.html?_r=0