Thaindian News

London, June 2 (ANI): One of England’s goalkeeper for this year’s FIFA World Cup David James has warned that goalkeepers will be left with egg on their faces by the controversial World Cup ball.

The new Adidas Jabulani ball has already come under criticism from Capello, France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Spain stopper Iker Casillas, who branded it “a beach ball”.

James believes it will lead to a number of freak goals during the finals.

“The ball is dreadful. It’s horrible, but it’s horrible for everyone,” the Daily Express quoted James, as saying.

“There’s no real way of coping, other than lots of shooting practice. One of Frank’s free-kicks against Japan dipped wickedly, so it will be interesting. There’s undoubtedly going to be some goals scored in this tournament which, in previous tournaments with different balls, wouldn’t have been scored,” he added.

“It will allow some people to score extra goals but leave some goalkeepers looking daft. We’ve been doing shooting practice every day and I have been standing behind the goals watching the ball, so at least we’ll be prepared,” he said.

Adidas spokesman Thomas van Schaik insisted the ball has been tested properly, saying it is “small and heavy, allowing for maximum accuracy, perfect grip and exceptionally stable flight.” (ANI)