Makers of Criticized World Cup Ball Make Changes
Accepting widespread criticism of the Jabulani's movement at last year's World Cup, Adidas has completely redesigned the ball that will be used at the 2012 European Championship.
The swerving Jabulani angered several coaches in South Africa and was even cited as a possible cause for "inexplicable" goalkeeping mistakes in an official FIFA report.
The Euro 2012 ball that was revealed at Friday's draw for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine is named after — and based on — the classic Tango design used in the 1980s.
"We take every criticism seriously. We are developing the ball and the product we have. We have learned," Adidas chief executive Herbert Hainer said. "The criticism of the ball was that when it was kicked hard it flew further than they thought.
"There were two aspects. First of all we try to make the ball as round as possible so it can fly faster. Secondly we played at altitude (in South Africa) and the ball flew further. Of course, we are taking all the criticism and input. This ball has more stability than any other ball. The matte finish gives more grip to the ball, which players like."
A disguised Tango 12 has been tested in eight European countries, including Spain and Germany, and all 16 Euro 2012 finalists will receive balls this month.
With a new bladder inside the ball — key to the bounce — Adidas said players should find it easier to control than the Jabulani with a "true, stable flight path."
"All we have heard so far is very positive," Hainer said. "Goalkeepers don't like it when they concede goals. We had Petr Cech and Manuel Neuer testing the ball. They are both happy."
Source: Associated Press
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