"Krasava!” Such is the Russian colloquial term used by football fans in the country to express high praise for a player who performed a particularly striking piece of play, be it a beautiful goal or an amazing run. This emotional word will now be heard more often at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, and not only from the mouths of Russian spectators.

The Official Match Ball at the Tournament of Champions, which will be staged next June and July in Russia a year before the 2018 FIFA World Cup™, has been named Krasava.

“Spectators can surely expect to see many beautiful goals at the Confederations Cup,” said former national-team captain and Russia 2018 Ambassador Alexei Smertin, who is also a FIFA Legend. “In fact, the words 'krasava' and 'krasivyi' have the same root in the Russian language. I don't doubt that fans from all over the world will approve of the name because it sounds pleasant not only for Russian speakers.”

The pattern on the ball developed by FIFA partner adidas features a striking red design with jagged lines running through it, designed to represent the design of a Russian Ruby and the metaphorical jewel of the game. The structure of the ball incorporates an innovative and widely-praised panel shape which offers premium surface structure, enhanced grip and in-flight visibility.

Next summer, the Krasava will be trialled in live conditions by six continental champions – Australia (AFC Asian Cup winners), Chile (Copa America winners), Mexico (CONCACAF Gold Cup winners), New Zealand (OFC Nations Cup winners), Portugal (UEFA EURO 2016 winners) and the yet-to-be-decided Africa Cup of Nations winners – plus world champions Germany and Russia. The Host Nation of the upcoming World Cup will be the first to try out the new ball during an international friendly against Romania in Grozny on 15 November.

“Every major tournament simply must have a fantastic ball,” added Smertin. “The unveiling of Krasava is yet another important step on the road to the FIFA Confederations Cup, which I'm sure Russia will host to a high standard. We can't wait to welcome fans and football stars from all over the world. I hope this tournament will help people discover many things about Russia and learn a bit more of the language”.

Krasava is one of Russian words that fans from all over the world will sure know in 2017.