Sports gear manufacturer Adidas has hit back at criticism that the official World Cup football is difficult to control and a nightmare for goalkeepers, stressing that it was widely tested and approved long ago.
There have been some critical comments made by top goalkeepers such as Spain's Iker Casillas, Brazil's Julio Cesar and England's David James.
James called it "interesting" with "a mind of its own" and he's sure the "funny movements" will provide "an interesting spectacle" with some long range goals being scored in South Africa.
Adidas spokesman Thomas van Schaik says the "Jabulani" balls had been used for months without any complaints.
Brazilian Cesar described the World Cup balls as "terrible," comparing them with cheap ones bought in a supermarket.
The two best goalkeepers in the world have also slated the official ball, Spain keeper Iker Casillas likening it to a beachball while his Italian counterpart Gianluigi Buffon described the ball as "absolutely inadequate".
And Italy striker Giampaolo Pazzini feels it's a "disaster" for both goalkeepers and forwards because it's so light and moves around so much.
