It seems like everywhere you look another goalie is complaining about the official world cup ball (see picture to the right). Marcus Hahnemann, yes the one that is America's reserve goal keeper referred to it as a "nightmare for goalies." Kasey Keller also complained about the ball being "unpredictable." Even Serbian keeper Vladimir Stojkovic called the ball a "catastrophe." You all know Mr. Stojkovic right?
The logistics of the ball:. It is 8 panels held together by thermal bonding, not stitching. PETA is rejoicing as well, because the ball is made of synthetics, not leather. The ball is supposed to be much faster and Adidas says it is truer in the air. Truer to what? I don't know, but I will take their word on it. Let's get two things straight goalies.
One, you are a weird bunch. Not in the traditional sense of playing magic or dungeons and dragons but in the sense that the other 10 players on the field are only using their feet and goalies primarily use their hands. I do not want to hear a lecture about footwork and all for goalies because all sports require footwork and being able to position oneself.
Second, people watch the World Cup for goals. A great save is exciting and hopefully the tournament will have dozens but it is goals that get people excited. A 4-3 game with 3 or 4 really well executed goals is much better to watch than a 1-0 game with 5 spectacular saves. Additionally after the tournament is over people will be speaking on specific goals not specific saves. So listen up goalies, take a step back and realize that we want more goals, not less. Your job is getting harder, it is ok.
Written by:
