Ball blues

The new Adidas football to be used in South Africa, named "jabulani", has stirred up some substantial controversy.  The first to condemn the ball was Brazil GK Julio Cesar, stating it was horrible, the type you buy at a supermarket.  Spain's GK Casillas followed suit, stating the ball was a disgrace.

Apparently, the jabulani can switch direction very easily, amplifying curve and spin a player places on a ball.  So, obviously, goalkeepers would say this.

But Luis Fabiano and Robinho have also criticized it; the latter saying he "felt like Roberto Carlos" given the ease with which the ball dramatically changes direction.

Even FIFA secretary Jerome has taken part in the controversy, stating that it was all much ado about nothing, and asked if it was Brazil who were complaining about the ball.  When reporters nodded positively, he remarked "I want to see they complain if they win the World Cup."  He's got a point.

Surprises, good and bad, are likely.