ADIDAS UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALE MUNICH BALL
The UEFA Champions League will kick-off once again when the round of Last 16 begins on February 14th. Ahead of the knock-out stage Adidas have unveiled the new ball design for the final set to be held in Munich, Germany.
In a change from previous season the new Finale Munich ball will be used throughout the knock-out stage and not just on just on the 19th May 2012 at the Allianz Arena. The iconic Champions League star motif stands out beautifully with this White/Slime/Cyan/Indigo colourway unique design elements.
The adidas Finale Munich 12 ball has received the highest FIFA rating for weight, water uptake, shape and size retention. The PSC texture, an advancement from the ‘pimple’ design, aids power, swerve and control in all weather conditions.
Star shaped panels are joined by revolutionary thermal bonding technology for perfect aerodynamics. Negating the need for seams and stitching benefits the ball prolonging the life and giving it a more predictable trajectory, better touch and lower water uptake.
SILVA, NASRI WEAR BLACK-OUT ADIZERO MICOACH
We have spotted a few players in blacked out boots this week but we were a little surprised by the latest one. We originally thought Silva had joined a host of other players testing out the new Adidas Predator D5 but it turns out he was actually wearing a black-out version of the already released F50 AdiZero MiCoach.
We were surprised to see Silva wearing a black-out version of a boot that has already been released. A player in black-out boots usually means they are testing the boot out or their contract is up. Seeing as these are the brand new AdiZero MiCoach the contract option is out, which means Silva was testing them. We assume that, as Messi gave them an official debut on Tuesday night, that Silva is getting ready to switch over to the new boots. Perhaps we can expect to see him in them this weekend?
Silva’s teammate Samir Nasri had been spotted in a pair of black-out Predator D5 boots during training and when he walked out in a pair of black-out boots we assumed it was the same pair but they are clearly not the new D5.
The new D5 has a pretty distinct heel while the new AdiZero soleplate is the same as the previous F50 AdiZero models. The best explanation is that Nasri will join Silva in the new AdiZero MiCoach soon and will switch to the D5 when they are released next year.
MESSI DEBUTS NEW ADIZERO MICOACH
Last night saw Barcelona star Lionel Messi give the new Adidas F50 AdiZero MiCoach their official debut. Messi gave the new F50s the perfect debut scoring a hat-trick (and his 200th goal for FC Barcelona) agasint FC Viktoria Plzen.
Messi has worn the boot competitively when he wore them for Argentina against Nigeria a few months back – but that was a hype creating ploy by Adidas. Messi wore the Energy/White/Electricity colourway – which he will wear exclusively in La Liga.
WALCOTT, GERVINHO, ARSHAVIN TEST VAPOR VIII
It is not uncommon to see new boots being tested out during training sessions for the UEFA Champions League. This week three players from Arsenal gave us a glimpse at a hotly anticipated upcoming boot.
The Gunners trio of players were testing out the new Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII. We have seen both Arshavin and Gervinho in the new Nike speed before but this is the first time Theo Walcott has given them a run.
ADIDAS ADIPOWER PREDATOR – UCL WHITE/PURPLE
The 13 of September will see the kick-off of the new Uefa Champions League season and as usaual Adidas have released a UCL inspired Predator colourway. Adidas have released a bold new White/Purple colourway for the AdiPower Predator – a combination we think looks great.
The stand out feature of this colourway is the rainbow-like section on the heel of the boots similar to the design featured on the new Finale ball and Petr Cech’s gloves.
The AdiPower Predator is 25% lighter than their predecessor the Predator X. This is thanks mostly to the incorporation of Adidas’ SprintFrame we know from the AdiZeros. The AdiPowers’ SprintFrame features a redesigned Predator PowerSpine for additional energy transfer directly from the foot into the ball resulting in greater power.
A redesigned Predator element, lighter upper and TPU outsole and high-grade Taurus leather provide a perfect fitting boot with a superb touch.
This newest AdiPower Predator colourway looks great and we can’t wait to see who opts for this colourway come Match Day 1. This colourway will be available in South Africa.
ADIDAS UEFA CLUB COMPETITION BALLS
Adidas presents the Official Match Balls to be used during the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup tournaments.
The Finale 11 – The Official Match Ball for the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League Season
The design of the Finale 11, the Official Match Ball for the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League season, builds on the tradition of the iconic UEFA star ball. The Finale 11, which is now eleven years into its development, features an updated colour story that highlights the broad appeal of football by using a myriad of colour symbolizing every team, every player, every stadium and ultimately every fan. The ball also has a bold, loud and young star graphic throughout. The adidas Finale 11 is the second season ball on which the famous UEFA Champions League star panel shape is integrated in the technology of the ball.
The variation of colours ranges from red through to green, purple and yellow inside the star panels and is combined with a traditional dark border. In line with adidas’ continued advancements in ball technology, the Finale 11 has a diamond texture that gives even more grip for enhanced control and also features thermal bonding which creates a seamless surface.
All games in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League will be played with the adidas Finale 11, with the match ball for the knock-out phase of the competition including the UEFA Champions League Final in Munich, Germany on May 19th, 2012 being unveiled in 2012.
The Official Match Ball for the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League
As the Official Match Ball supplier for the UEFA Europa League since the commencement of the tournament, adidas developed the Official Match Ball in line with the visual language of the logo and brand colours of the competition.
The UEFA Europa League Official Match Ball 2011/2012 is an evolution of the 2010/2011 ball, continuing the colour story but also featuring a new grip technology as seen on the UEFA Champions League Finale 11 ball. The design is inspired by the UEFA Europa League trophy incorporating the competition colours, whilst the improved Grip Texture means even more grip in any weather condition.
All games of the UEFA Europa League – including the Final in Bucharest on May 9th, 2012 – will be played with the new ball. The adidas Finale 11 and the 2011/12 UEFA Europa League ball are now available at retail stores worldwide.
The Official Match Ball for the UEFA Super Cup 2011
Following the successful launch of its first Official Match Ball for the UEFA Super Cup in 2009, adidas will continue to offer a specially designed ball to mark the prestigious occasion. The design of the ball takes inspiration from the colours of the UEFA Super Cup logo, as well as the colours of the respective teams competing in the game – FC Barcelona and FC Porto. As with the UEFA Europa League ball, the UEFA Super Cup ball features the industry-leading Grip Texture technology.
The ball will take to the field on August 26th, 2011 when the winners of last season’s UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona, meet the winners of last season’s UEFA Europa League, FC Porto, at the Stade Louis II in Monaco. The ball will be sold in selected retail outlets throughout Europe and exclusively at the UEFA Super Cup in Monaco making it a true collector’s item.
BOOT SPOTTING: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Saturday night saw the European season come to a thrilling close when English champions Manchester United played Spanish champions Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Final at Wembley.
Edwin van Der Sar had already waved goodbye to the Premier League last weekend but brought the curtain down on a wonderful career on Saturday. Unfortunately for the big Dutchman he didn’t sign off with a second European medal. van Der Sar played his final game in the new Adidas AdiPower Predators.
With Carlos Puyol injured, Barcelona’s captain’s armband was worn by Xavi. Xavi put in another outstanding performance as he and Spain teammate Iniesta ran Barcelona’s midfield. Xavi wore the new AdiPower Predator’s lead Blue/Electricity/Black colourway.
Manchester United’s Brazilian midfielder Anderson was also in the soon to be released AdiPower Predators. Anderson didn’t get an opportunity to run out at Wembley but was picked on the bench.
Paul Scholes sat alongside Anderson on the bench but was called upon by Sir Alex with United trailing 3-1. An announcement is expected in the next few weeks as to whether Saturday was Scholes’ last game as the England midfielder contemplates retirement. Scholes came off the bench in a pair of Challenge Red/White/Dark Shadow Nike T90 Laser III boots despite warming up in a pair of the White/Black/Chlorine Blue colourway (above).
Nemanja Vidic was lifting the Premier League trophy last weekend but the United captain had to lead his side up the Wembley steps to collect the runners up medal this weekend. Vidic and Ferdinand both put in great performances, despite their goal being under siege for most of the second half. Vidic wore Puma’s classy looking White/Black/Snorkel Blue PowerCat 1.1 boots.
Eric Abidal recently returned from having a tumor removed from his liver. The French defender’s fight against illness was honored by Barcelona when he was handed the captain’s armband after the game. Abidal therefore lead his teammates up the Wembley steps and lifted the Champions League trophy. Abidal wore Nike’s Team Red/Metallic Silver Tiempo Legend III boots.
Javier Hernandez has surprised everyone with his outstanding performances this season. The young Mexican has become Fergie’s first choice partner for Wayne Rooney and was once again paired up with him for the Champions League Final. Hernandez has been in White Nike Tiempo Legend III boots since arriving at Old Trafford and wore the White/Volt/Black colourway on Saturday.
Adidas are one of the Champions League’s main sponsors and often use the competition to unveil new boots and apparel. We expected the AdiPower Predator to debut in the Final but they arrived a few weeks earlier. Adidas did however debut their new Anodized Purple/Electricity/Infrared and Electricity/ Anodized Purple/Infrared AdiZero colourways – and in the end it was the eye-catching boots that made the difference.
Dani Alves wore the new Anodized Purple/Electricity/Infrared AdiZero Prime colourway. The Brazilian fullback tore up and down the right flank and put in a great performance for the Catalan club.
David Villa was on the score sheet for Barcelona in his leather version of the Anodized Purple/Electricity/Infrared AdiZero boots. The Spanish midfielder scored the third goal of the game to kill off any chance of a comeback from United.
The night once again belonged to Lionel Messi. The Argentinean maestro was mesmerizing for Barcelona and always looked a threat. His 54th minute strike was a brilliant long range drive off his favored left foot and set Barcelona on their way to a resounding victory. Messi wore the new Electricity/ Anodized Purple/Infrared colourway which he will have exclusivity of in La Liga.
Our last boots spot doesn’t come from the UEFA Champions League but the MLS. David Beckham showed off his new Adidas AdiPower Predator colourway last week when he turned out in Gary Neville’s testimonial in a pair of Gold/Red DB AdiPower Predators. Beckham gave his new boots the perfect MLS debut as he set up his side’s winner with a trademark floating cross.
BOOT SPOTTING: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Manchester United booked their place in the semi-finals with a composed display against Chelsea at Old Trafford. With the likes of Rooney, Ferdinand, Scholes and the Da Silva twins all switching to the recently released White/Black/Chlorine Blue Nike T90 Laser III we are a little surprised that Patrice Evra has stuck with his Challenge Red/White/Dark Shadow boots. (Although they do match the United kit perfectly.)
John Terry once again had to console his charges as Chelsea’s European dreams fell to pieces. We had spotted Terry in the new White/Red/Silver Umbro Speciali R in training and we were glad to see him giving them a run out at Old Trafford.
Another player who we expect to be in the Speciali R is Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson (right). The England stopper trained in them ahead of Spur fixture against Real Madrid tonight.
Dawson’s teammate Younes Kaboul has returned from injury and is a great boost for Harry Redknapp. Kaboul has stuck with a pair of the original Nike Superfly boots. Kaboul usually opted for the Vibrant Yellow/Black/Gold colourway but was spotted in a pair of CTR360 Maestri II boots in training. We will be on the look out as to whether the French defender is about to make a switch.
Spurs will have to produce a miracle and comeback from a 4-0 deficit if they want to progress to a semi-final show down with Barcelona. The Madrid players look very relaxed at their training session and we spotted four players in white-out Predators. Kaka, Di Maria and Carvalho were all in the yet to be released Predators as well as young midfielder Sergio Canales (left).
Real look set to go through and meet Barcelona in the semi-finals. Barca overcame Shakhtar Donetsk to book their place in the semi-finals. Barca is full of Adidas sponsored attackers with the likes of Messi, Villa, Alves and Xavi all Adidas wearers. They do also have plenty Nike men including Pedro Rodriguez who was in the new Superfly III.
Shakhtar Donetsk put up a brave fight but were no match for the Catalan club in the end. Tomas Hubschman work hard all evening in a pair of Adidas Predator Absolute boots which were released back in 2006.
EXCLUSIVE: ADIDAS FINALE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WEMBLEY FINAL BALL
Adidas have unveiled the official 2011 UEFA Champions League Finale which will be used in the Final to be held at Wembley Stadium.
This Adidas match ball is one of the most advanced footballs ever, made using the best of technologies and features built-in super lightweight thermal bonding panels to offer the footballer true flight and less drag in the air.
The ball features Scarlet Champions League star motifs with Silver lions and Warning detailing. It also has a Warning Champions League star motif in the centre with ‘Wembley London Final 2011’.
This is the third Finale Ball along with the original White/Midnight Blue/Cyan Finale 11 and the Orange/Black/Cyan HI-Vis ball.