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World Cup 2010: Brazil Coach Dunga Escalates Jabulani Ball Row
Jun 4, 2010 4:31:00 PM
The trainer has criticised FIFA bosses for using the controversial ball, backing up complaints from squad members.
Dunga, coach of the Brazilian national team expected to challenge for the World Cup title, has hit back at FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke after comments made by the official referring to the controversial Jabulani ball set to be used at the finals.Valcke had suggested that criticism from goalkeeper Julio Cesar and other squad members was motivated by fear of failure within the camp rather than any failings with the technology itself.
The Brazil boss responded by questioning Valcke's credentials to judge professional football, as he never played at a professional level.
"He needs to play," Dunga said. "If he played with the ball he would have a different opinion. He is a guy who never got on the field. I want him to be here in our practice and we will give him the ball to see if he can control it.
"It wasn't only the Brazilians who complained. Other very successful players are also complaining."
Inter's Julio Cesar, widely expected to be Brazil's number one in South Africa, has been one of the strongest critics of the new ball, alleging that it moves too much in the air and is designed to fool goalkeepers and generate high-scoring matches. Striker Luis Fabiano also dubbed the ball "weird". Top keepers such as Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas have also cast doubts on the quality of the Jabulani, manufactured by Adidas.According to the Castrol Football World Cup Predictor the Brazilian squad are one of the favourites to lift the trophy for a sixth time. Preparation has not been without it's problems however, as Dunga has come in for criticism in local media for abandoning the free-flowing 'Jogo Bonito' that the side is synonymous with in favour of a pragmatic, counter-attacking game. This was heightened after the squads were announced, with flair players such as Ronaldinho and domestic prodigy Neymar ignored by the down to earth coach.
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