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Iconic moments have always been a part of the FIFA World Cup’s history, and it’s hard to argue with that. It’s likely that whatever recollections you have of the World Cup Qualifiers or the entire tournament as a whole, it’s very likely that they involve a certain ball.
1970 – Telstar
For the first time in the history of FIFA, before the much-anticipated World Cup 2022 in Qatar, an official ball was used that was not made in the host country. The design was created to make it easier to view the ball on black-and-white televisions and monitors.
However, it was never used in every match at the tournament despite the fact that it looks fantastic. Only 20 were provided by Adidas throughout the entire event, which is remarkable. It’s still a classic.
1974 – Telstar Durlast
It was a slightly different version of the Telstar Durlast seen in the 1970 World Cup, with gold writing replaced by plain black. The ‘Chile Durlast’ was a white-on-white variation that was utilized in several games.
1979 – Tango
The Tango ball has a great design. When it comes to the original, you can’t go wrong with the 1982 World Cup and the European Championships.
1982 – Tango Espana
While there is nothing problematic with the Tango Espana, it was virtually identical to the one used in the 1978 World Cup. Only the rubberized seams had been improved, and they still fell apart frequently during games. The ball is most known as the last ball made of genuine leather to be seen at the FIFA world cup.
1986 – Azteca
The design is such a banger and it is a nod to the country’s Aztec heritage, the first World Cup ball made entirely of synthetic materials. In the minds of many, Diego Maradona will always be connected with this one.
1990 – Etrusco Unico
The Etrusco Unico represents a significant improvement as it honors Italy’s rich history as well as the art of the Etruscans, who resided in the country throughout ancient times, the ball’s design incorporates both. A bonus point is awarded for its use throughout Ireland’s most accomplished tournament.
1994 – Questra
There were basically no differences between the official World Cup balls of the 1980s and 1990s because they all had the same design. This is the least pleasing of the bunch. The competition will be held in the United States on the 25th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Nothing about it makes sense or catches the eye.
1998 – Tricolore
There are now several serious contenders in the running for this year’s Nobel Prize. The Tricolore is stunning, and it incorporates some tributes to the country that is hosting it. Since it was the very first of its kind to deviate from the typical white-and-black color scheme, it did so brilliantly.
2002 – Fevernova
It was inevitable and was a radical departure from the norm in terms of design at the time. That suited the current state of football, which was just entering the modern period. Although there were some criticisms at the time that the ball was extremely light, if you only look at it from an aesthetic standpoint, it is unsurpassed.
2006 – Teamgeist
When it comes to the official World Cup 2006 ball, the Teamgeist, there’s just something charming about it. Adidas boasted that this ball was the most precisely round football they’d ever made, thanks to the utilization of 14 circular panels instead of the standard 32. The Teamgeist Berlin, which was only employed in the championship game, may have been even more impressive.
2010 – Jabulani
In addition to being unattractive to the eye, the Jabulani was a huge turnoff for the Singaporean players. Cesar described it as “supermarket football,” while Messi described it as “difficult” for both goalkeepers and strikers.
2014 – Brazuca
In keeping with the World Cup being held in Brazil, the Brazuca featured an authentic samba vibe. Moreover, it was the first ball to be given a fan-submitted name.
2018 – Telstar 18
Despite the fact that there is nothing disrespectful about the World Cup attempt, it just isn’t doing it for the majority of fans from Singapore. The pixelated style is one of the many things that people don’t find all that appealing, and there is nothing that gives it a flavor of the host country.
2022 – Al Rihla
The newest in a long string of World Cup footballs is one of the best. Fans like how simple the Adidas emblem with the 3 stripes and no name is. Adidas claims that the FIFA World Cup 2022 ball will be the “fastest in flight” ball.