New balls, fresh controversy

For every major championship, be it World Cup or Euro 2008, a new ball is produced, more hi-tech than the last, more sophisticated than its predecessor. And the result, invariably, is predictable — controversy. “Those balls are going all over the place, changing direction all the time, especially if fired from a distance,” Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa said.

As usual, goalkeepers are convinced everybody is out to get them, make them look like a fool. “Everything that is new in football today is to hurt us (goalkeepers). Nothing is done for our benefit,” Portugal’s goalkeeper Ricardo said. Czech Republic’s Petr Cech was upset as well. “The ball is not an ideal one for a number of reasons. It’s strange you never know what it’s going to do,” he said.