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England keeper David James: The new World Cup ball is 'dreadful'
Portsmouth shot-stopper is still fighting for starting spot
2 Jun 2010 02:16:00
By Anthony Sciarrino
England goalkeeper David James has added his name to the growing list of players that have complained about the ball that will be used in the World Cup this summer.
Goalkeepers from across the world such as Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon, Julio Cesar from Brazil and Iker Casillas of Spain have complained about the lightness and unpredictable flight of the Adidas Jabulani ball.
James believes that a Frank Lampard free-kick against Japan on Sunday is a prime example of how of the ball’s irregular flight as the Chelsea star’s shot dipped sharply while in flight.
“The ball is dreadful – it’s horrible, but it’s horrible for everyone,” James told the Daily Star.
“There’s no real way of coping, other than lots of shooting practice.
“It’ll be interesting. There are undoubtedly going to be some goals scored in this tournament which in previous tournaments – with different balls – wouldn’t have been scored.
“It will allow some people to score extra goals, but leave some keepers looking daft.”
The Portsmouth keeper is still in a three-way battle with Manchester City’s Joe Hart and Robert Green of West Ham United for the number one goalkeeper spot on England.
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Goalkeepers from across the world such as Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon, Julio Cesar from Brazil and Iker Casillas of Spain have complained about the lightness and unpredictable flight of the Adidas Jabulani ball.
James believes that a Frank Lampard free-kick against Japan on Sunday is a prime example of how of the ball’s irregular flight as the Chelsea star’s shot dipped sharply while in flight.
“The ball is dreadful – it’s horrible, but it’s horrible for everyone,” James told the Daily Star.
“There’s no real way of coping, other than lots of shooting practice.
“It’ll be interesting. There are undoubtedly going to be some goals scored in this tournament which in previous tournaments – with different balls – wouldn’t have been scored.
“It will allow some people to score extra goals, but leave some keepers looking daft.”
The Portsmouth keeper is still in a three-way battle with Manchester City’s Joe Hart and Robert Green of West Ham United for the number one goalkeeper spot on England.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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