High-Tech Soccer Ball Sparks Goal Frenzy at Euro 2024

Euro 2024 has kicked off with a spectacular start, featuring an array of incredible goals from all angles.

Could a $170 high-tech soccer ball be the secret behind this goal-scoring extravaganza?

"When you strike it, it stays hit," remarked England captain Harry Kane.

The official match ball of the European Championship, the Adidas Fussballliebe (meaning "love of football" in German), appears to be a hit among players, resulting in numerous impressive, long-range goals.

"It's quick," Kane added. "For me, personally, it is better for the strikers or the goal-scorers than it is for the goalkeepers, so I'm not going to complain about that."

Fans are equally thrilled with the plethora of spectacular goals.

For instance, Arda Guler's curling shot into the top corner from around 20 meters was a highlight in Turkey's 3-1 victory over Georgia, complemented by his teammate Mert Muldur's volley from the edge of the box in the same match.

Romania's Nicolae Stanciu delivered another long-distance goal against Ukraine and nearly scored directly from a corner kick that hit the crossbar.

Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri wowed with a stunning goal against Scotland, while Italy's Nicolo Barella and Czech Republic's Lukas Provod also scored impressive long-range shots.

"Any footballs for these tournaments aren't exactly made with goalkeepers in mind," Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel pointed out.

"It's a pleasure to strike. You can get good distance. They are certainly not made for the grip for the goalkeeper."

Historically, official tournament balls have faced criticism.

For example, players found the Adidas Jabulani ball used in the 2010 World Cup to be unpredictable.

UEFA, however, asserts that the Fussballliebe is crafted for "accuracy and consistency, supporting fast, precise play with maximum shape and air retention."

This ball is composed of recycled polyester and more "sustainable bio-based materials" than those used in previous tournaments, such as corn fibers, sugar cane, and wood pulp.

Despite being reduced to $85, the ball quickly sold out on Adidas' online store in the United States.

The ball's exact contribution to Guler's remarkable goal remains uncertain, but innovative technology within the balls assisted VAR officials in overturning Romelu Lukaku's potential late equalizer in Belgium's surprising 1-0 defeat to Slovakia.

For the first time at a European Championship, UEFA is employing connected ball technology, which was first used at the 2022 World Cup.

This technology can identify every touch of the ball and send precise data to video assistant referees.

A chip inside the ball, fixed on a gyroscope, transmits data 500 times per second to record the point at which it is kicked.

In conjunction with AI, it helps determine offsides.

Belgium detected a slight handball by Loïs Openda in the buildup to Lukaku's disallowed goal in the 86th minute.

"The sensor in the Adidas connected official match ball was able to accurately record the touch of the hand of the player with the surface of the ball," UEFA stated.

"This was the first time the fast and accurate technology supported a refereeing decision during a Euro 2024 match."