 "World Cup knockout stage ball")
World football's governing body FIFA has announced that a new ball will be used for the knockout phase of the ongoing World Cup in Russia.
The Adidas Telstar 'Mechta', which translates as 'dream' or 'ambition' in Russian, will replace the Telstar 18 used during the group stage of football's biggest tournament, FIFA said in a press release.
The new design of the ball is laced with symbolism and refers to the host nation Russia as well as the importance of the knockout phase.
"The Telstar Mechta comes with a new vivid red design inspired by the colours of the host nation, as well as the rising heat of knockout-stage football," FIFA said.
The ball will be used for the first time on Saturday.
"The Telstar 18 was a huge step forward technically when it came to official match balls," Adidas Vice President of Products Dean Lokes said. "With the Telstar Mechta we have taken that same innovative design and re-imagined it."
Each ball will be fitted with a near-field communication chip, allowing for interaction by smartphone users, according to FIFA.
