Goalkeepers Complain in Russia 2018 World Cup

Goalkeepers have laid lots of complains about the Russia 2018 Ball that is used in this 2018 World Cup, let’s hear what they have to say about the ball.

"Yes, we are the victims of FIFA and the ever-developing football," a goal keeper said. "Every four years there are new footballs.

"The football might be more acceptable to the players than to the goalkeepers. Sometimes there are problems and the goalkeepers are always the victims.”

"Whenever there are new balls we need to be able to practice more. This ball has some problems but all the goalkeepers are facing that problem.”

"Maybe the balls are not always of good quality or acceptable to the goalkeepers but as goalkeeper we have to be ready."

But the tally of three direct free-kicks scored at this tournament already matches the number netted during the entirety of Brazil 2014; with further long-range goals casting possible light on the "problems" El Hadary allude to.

The sight of two burst Telstar 18s during France v Australia was a moment Adidas will want to forget, given their assurances over a ball "engineered to provide performance and durability both in the stadium and on the street," following rigorous testing assisted by the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

David de Gea described it as "really strange" before his performance in Spain's 3-3 draw against Portugal that would fit a similar description.

"I know what you're talking about. There was a lot of criticism against this ball but we cannot change anything now," Igor Akinfeev, the goalkeeper and captain of the hosts, said as he sounded a more diplomatic tone to El Hadary, while decked out in his Adidas regalia pre-match.

"There is a sponsor that brings in the ball for the tournaments like this. We have to keep the ball, we have to make it stick to our palms.
"Technologies are improving. Footballers are scoring from 40 metres. A ball is a ball – what can I say?"
Before a pivotal World Cup encounter at Krestovsky Stadium, it seems the goalkeepers' union will once again have a fertile topic for discussion when they line-up in the tunnel.

Source: SportSkeeda