“Al Hilm” – Arabic for ‘the dream’ – features a graphic design that distinguishes it from the “Al Rihla” – ‘the journey’ – used to date in the competition, although both share the technology linked to offside detection.

The innovation provides referees with the possibility of much faster and more accurate decisions, thanks to instant video data that also provides a seamless – and even unique – experience for fans.

The technology is compatible with the semi-automatic system by combining information from the ball – gathered by IMU sensors – and using artificial intelligence.

Johannes Holzmüller, director of FIFA’s Technological Innovation Subdivision, said that with the ball, ‘Adidas -the company that created it- makes it possible for the refereeing team to have a very important level of information at its disposal’.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Argentina, Croatia, Morocco and reigning champion France will seek to come within one step of soccer glory in the most sui generis World Cup of all time, but one that has not gone off the rails as many had warned. mh/rgh/jdg