Italy and Denmark wade into World Cup ball row
ITALY goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has become the latest star to launch a scathing attack on the new World Cup ball.
The Adidas Jabulani has so far proved particularly unpopular among keepers, with Julio Cesar of Brazil and the USA’s Marcus Hahnemann voicing their disapproval.
“I noticed the first day that this ball wasn’t right,” said Buffon, a veteran of 100 caps.
“The World Cup brings together the best players in the world and to those players you must provide something decent. The new ball is not decent.”
Denmark coach Morten Olsen also waded into the debate after his side lost 1-0 to Australia in a friendly yesterday, saying: “We played with an impossible ball and we need to get used to it.”
Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso admitted it was “different”, but said he was adjusting to the ball, which Adidas has billed as its roundest and most accurate ever.
“The ball is different but little by little, we are getting accustomed to it,” said the former Liverpool player. “I think as days go by and once we play more games with it, I am certain we will feel more comfortable with it.”