This FIFA World Cup has found its first villain before the tournament has kicked off - the ball.


Denmark coach Morten Olsen and Australia midfielder Mark Bresciano slammed the new design of the official World Cup ball after the Socceroos' 1-0 win over the Danes in Roodepoort, claiming it is 'difficult to control' and 'difficult to predict'.

"It is very tough," Bresciano said after the match. "It is very difficult to predict the way it is going to come to you.

"Especially when you hit long balls you don't know the way the ball is going to travel. That makes it a lot harder for the goalkeeper too, coming out for crosses and shots on goals.

"We will have to get used to it by training with the ball. It is something that we are going to have to get used to because the ball is so unpredictable. But I think there is no advantage or disadvantage to anyone because we are all going to be in the same conditions."

Made by Adidas, the Jabulani is made of just eight panels and promotional material claims 'Goalies will be happy with the 'grip n groove' texturing, which is also to aid smooth flight (think golf balls).'

But while one Australian player described the Jubilani as 'something plastic you might buy at a petrol station', Bresciano believes the tournament may be adversely affected by its erratic performance.

"I think it spoils the spectacle," Bresciano said. "Most of the times you hit the ball the way you are used to the results don't come out and your set pieces are harder to do.

"Then, on another case, if you do shoot on goals it is going to be harder for the goalkeeper. So there are pluses and negatives on both sides."

Denmark coach Morten Olsen made his case against the new ball by beginning his post-match press conference after the Australia game with a blunt assessment of the Jabulani.

"It is very difficult to control these balls but we have two weeks to work with this," Olsen said.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/2010-world-cup/news/1005849/Bresciano-admits-ball-concern