The proposed football to be used in the 2018 World Cup got a run out yesterday during Spain's international friendly against Germany.
Spain's David De Gea and Pepe Reina, along with Germany's Marc-André ter Stegen, got a taste of what is to come and were far from impressed.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw, AS have confirmed that the trio of 'keepers do not want this ball used in upcoming tournament:
It does strange things, its flight is unpredictable and there is a lot of room for improvement on it.
I bet you as much as you like that we'll see at least 35 goals from long range [in Russia], because it's impossible to work out. Goalkeepers are going to have a lot of problems.
With Manchester United's De Gea suggesting that it is "really strange," Reina believes "there's still time" for FIFA to arrange a new ball.
Barcelona's Ter Stegen is not as optimistic however:
The ball could be better; it moves a lot.
But I think we're just going to have to get used to working with it, and try to get to grips with it as quickly as possible before the World Cup starts.
We've got no other option.
What could certainly be problematic for goalkeepers, it is doubtful that football fans generally will be complaining too much if Reina's grim prediction of a gluttony of goals comes to fruition.
