DUESSELDORF, Germany — From smart match balls and artificial intelligence in cryogenic recovery chambers, football is being transformed with cutting-edge technology available to players, coaches and officials.
This has been seen in Euro 2024where developments in areas such as equipment and sports science have been developed on and off the pitch, designed to improve the game, the fan experience and player welfare.
Not everything is a hit with everyone.
For example, there are still complaints about VAR decisions — just as there were about decisions in the days before VAR was introduced.
Regardless, the world’s most popular sport continues to be influenced by rapidly developing technologies in the wider world.
Correct calls
VAR decisions, by and large, seemed to be a smoother process here than we saw in, say, the Premier League last season. UEFA is developing semi-automatic offside technology, along with Adidas’ AI and connected ball technology to speed up the refereeing process and improve accuracy.
Ten cameras are installed in each of the host stadiums, which according to UEFA monitor 29 different parts of the body on each player. Combined with the official tournament ball, which has a sensor to detect every touch, and artificial intelligence, the decision-making process is supposed to be faster and more convincing than before.
Maybe too convincing for some. of Belgium Romelu Lukaku blocked three goals in his first two games — two for offside and one for a handball by teammate Loïs Openda in the build up, which was detected by the ball sensor.
Goal line technology has ended the debate over boundary calls as to whether the ball crossed the line. There are seven cameras in each goal and a signal is sent to the referee’s watch, which vibrates if the ball has crossed the line. UEFA says results are sent within a second of action.
The ball
While the Adidas Fussballliebe, which is the official match ball of the Euros, helps with offside calls, it also seems to be a knock on the players.
It’s made from recycled polyester and other materials like corn fiber, sugarcane and wood pulp, and players have raved about the speed and distance it creates.
This seems to be evident judging by the number of amazing long-range goals scored during the group stage, such as Arda Guler’s attempt at curls from around 20 meters in Turkey’s 3-1 win over Georgia.
Portable
Coaches try to find an edge wherever they can.
England players were spotted wearing smart rings.
“The idea is that it helps monitor your sleep, which is the biggest factor in terms of recovery,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. “So regardless of the things that are invented in the world, the best things to help with recovery are sleep and nutrition. We don’t control the players, but it allows them to monitor their own recovery.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is an ambassador for a band that monitors sleep and biometrics such as cardiovascular and muscle load.
Tracking vests have long been used to measure distances covered by players.
Southgate also wears a smartwatch that costs $6,500, has its own tracking capabilities and also provides score alerts during the tournament.
An unexpected wearable it is Kylian Mbappe’s custom-made protective mask — The French striker needed it after suffering a broken nose in his opening game.
Treatment
Teams have a suite of recovery devices to help players cope with the busy tournament schedule.
Spain’s base camp in Donaueschingen has a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a cryogenic chamber and a phototherapy bed to speed up muscle recovery after training or playing.
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is used to breathe in 100% pure oxygen. Cryogenic therapy involves the use of low temperatures, while phototherapy uses light.
“This works wonders after the intense games we have here at the Euros. Anything that can give us an advantage we will take advantage of,” Spanish striker Nico Williams said on Instagram.
England captain Harry Kane used air compression boots, which massage players’ feet and increase circulation.
Holiday time
Boredom can be one of the biggest issues to deal with during a major tournament, with players spending time away from home and their family and friends.
You can often see them arriving at the stadiums with their state-of-the-art noise canceling headphones. However, not all players are using the latest technology — England’s Cole Palmer was spotted wearing string ears.
Personal devices are essential, with smart phones, pads and gaming devices usually close at hand. Germany’s Kai Havertz was seen carrying a popular video game console as he got off the team bus.
The German base in Herzogenaurach also has a giant movie screen next to an outdoor pool.
Not all devices are purely for entertainment or distraction. For the 16-year-old winger of Spain Lamine Yamalhis free time can be consumed by completing work on his block.
___
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
___
