Football

Euro 2024 has kicked off with a bang, showcasing an unprecedented number of spectacular goals from all angles. The adidas Fussballliebe, the official match ball of the tournament, has been credited with contributing to this goal-scoring frenzy.England captain Harry Kane praised the ball's accuracy and consistency, noting that it favors strikers over goalkeepers. The ball's design, which incorporates recycled materials and sustainable bio-based fibers, has also been lauded.Among the standout goals was Arda Guler's curling effort for Turkey against Georgia, while his teammate Mert Muldur's volley from the edge of the box was equally impressive. Romania's Nicolae Stanciu also scored from distance against Ukraine, nearly netting directly from a corner kick that hit the crossbar.Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri, Italy's Nicolo Barella, and Czech Republic's Lukas Provod have also contributed to the goal-scoring bonanza. However, goalkeepers have not been entirely helpless. Denmark's Kasper Schmeichel acknowledged the ball's speed and distance, but emphasized that it is not designed for their grip.Official tournament balls have faced criticism in the past, but the Fussballliebe has received positive reviews. UEFA claims it has been engineered for accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play.In addition to its impact on goal-scoring, the ball has also played a role in VAR decisions. The connected ball technology used at Euro 2024 for the first time helped overturn Romelu Lukaku's late equalizer in Belgium's shock 1-0 loss to Slovakia.The sensor in the ball accurately recorded a marginal handball from Loïs Openda in the buildup to Lukaku's disallowed goal. This incident highlights the potential of smart technology to assist referees in making accurate decisions.