subject: FIFA World Cup: Goalkeepers unhappy with new ball 'Jabulani' says it is erratic, horrible, unpredictable [print this page] FIFA World Cup: Goalkeepers unhappy with new ball 'Jabulani' says it is erratic, horrible, unpredictable
BEST OF the best goalkeepers will find it difficult to handle the new ball designed for FIFA World Cup 2010. The new Adidas ball has been named Jabulani (meaning to celebrate' in Zulu). The new ball designed by British University team stressed its merits but Australian scientist think the new ball will be nightmare for the goalkeepers, as it will be faster and more erratic.
The Loughborough University scientists involved in the design of the ball say they have developed a ball featuring "a completely new, ground breaking technology, which has perfect roundness."
Well this groundbreaking technology will break how many heart, time will tell. But years of preparation of goalkeeprs will go in vain if they find it really difficult to guess the movement of the ball.
The Jabulani will allow goal keepers to really celebrate with this new ball or not, but players are lining up to complain it behaves erratically and they are having difficulty judging its trajectory, especially at relatively high altitude.
David James, England goalkeeper, described new Adidas ball as "horrible", Spanish keeper says it is "rotten" and Italian keeper Giasnluigi Buffon fears its unpredictability can ruin the world cup.
Derek Leinweber, Adelaide University researcher, supports the goalkeeper point of view, and proves it through computer simulation that the new ball is faster than the previous balls, and the rough surface made it more erratic.
Leinweber says, "And, the ball bends better. It means that the goalkeeper's institution is just a little bit off."
Goalkeeper's practice and his reflexes will be tested more than ever before. His anticipation and reactive move may go wrong as the ball is faster and takes different angle.
Best of luck to the goal keepers as this time the English Players known for their Bend it like Beckham' kicks can do miracles in South Africa.
