Sport-locker.net is proud to present to you the official match ball for the UEFA Euro 2012 Championship – the adidas “Tango 12”.

After the debacle of the infamous Jabulani at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, adidas will be hoping to get a bit more positive press with this entry.

At least this ball is steeped in glorious history!

Based on the classic Tango design used during both the World Cup and EURO tournaments during the early 1980s, the adidas Tango 12 features a modern interpretation of the design including a coloured outline inspired by the flags of the two host nations – Poland and Ukraine.

Etched into the Tango design are three bespoke graphics which celebrate the decorative art of paper cutting, a tradition in the rural areas of both host countries and link to the key characteristics of football – unity, rivalry and passion.

Complementing the design, the adidas Tango 12 features a series of triangular panels that are thermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path. Covering each panel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact and enhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball lies a woven carcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.

The adidas Tango 12, which has been developed over a two-year period, underwent two rigorous types of testing – qualitative player testing, which was conducted across eight different countries, using players, federations and clubs from both elite and grass roots football, and quantitative lab testing, which concluded that the adidas Tango 12 meets and exceeds all FIFA Approved Standards for an Official Match Ball making it the most tested ball adidas has ever produced.

The adidas Tango 12 will be used on field during EURO 2012 which kicks off on June 8^th when tournament hosts Poland take to the field at The National Stadium Warsaw. All competing federations will receive an allocation of thirty Official Match Balls during the week commencing December 5^th, six months ahead of the tournament, for training and competitive use.

The adidas Tango 12 is available for purchase in adidas retail outlets and associated stockists as of December 3^rd.  For further information on adidas products and services please visit: www.adidas.com/football or www.adidasnewsstream.com.

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