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Top players slam World Cup ball

THE world's best footballers are far from impressed with the World Cup ball, with the verdict ranging from "terrible" to "useless".

THE world's best footballers are far from impressed with the World Cup ball, with the verdict ranging from "terrible" to "useless".

The most damning statements on the "Jabulani" ball came from the goalkeepers, who appear to have a harder time at each big event coping with the latest inventions.

"I believe it is a shame to play with a ball like this at such an important tournament," said Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Brazil's Julio Cesar said sarcastically that the ball "is similar to those you can buy in a supermarket".

Spain's Iker Casillas has dismissed the object as "appalling" and England's David James expects "goals at this World Cup you would have never seen at past editions".

The ball is made by Adidas, who have provided the World Cup ball since 1970, and was branded "the best ball ever made". - Sapa-DPA

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