Latest Posts
The Jabulani, Curse or Excuse?
It seems that every time a major football tournament comes around there are various stories about the football being used, one which are normally of a negative aspect. This year is no exception and the ball being used in the World Cup this year is called the Jabulani which means “rejoice” or “bring joy and happiness” in Zulu. Which is what the game of football does to many all across the world making the World Cup one of the greatest shows on earth.
So I thought I would take the opportunity to give it a go myself and see what I think. I teamed up with fellow TGB member Alvin Pickering today to use it in a training session and what’s what. We used the ball in various situations such as goal kicks, general shooting and crossing. We had a selection of Nike and Mitre footballs to compare them to the Jabulani.
Goal Kicks
The Jabulani was a great ball to strike, we didn’t have to put much effort into it to get good distance or power on to it. Alvin took some great goal kicks which had it all, accuracy, power, height and distance. I found it a bit difficult to use the right kicking technique with it as I found it a bit hard to get used to, even if you scuffed it felt like a clean strike so I found it to give you an illusion of ‘hitting it sweet’ every time. We both then moved onto taking goal kicks with the Mitre Ultimatch ball which I preferred because I could tell when I was hitting it right and when I wasn’t but as you can imagine it is a heavier ball so you do have to put more power into the kick.
On the whole Alvin and I agreed that the Jabulani is an easy ball to strike and feels lovely when you get it right. It is almost effortless to put power into the Jabulani but having said that I would rather kick with the Mitre as I feel it offers more feel on the foot; you can feel when you are hitting it right.
General Shooting
Where do I start with this one? The ball is a bit of a nightmare for us ‘keepers as I found 2 big challenges with it.
1) The ball is very easy to get power out of so as a goalkeeper you will not see the ball until you are picking it out of the net
2) Even if you do keep track of the ball and follow it all the way it can move slightly at the last minute. Now slightly may not seem like much but when you going for that safe catch and the ball just happens to move off course a few cm you will yourself fumbling it to the nearest goal poacher.
The ball is lovely to strike as a player but for the goalkeeper it is problem to deal which doesn’t surprise me too much as everyone other than a goalkeeper wants to see as many goals in a match as possible.
Crossing
There is not much I can add to this as all the points above are applicable to the crossing as well but I think the biggest problem with the ball on crosses is that is really hangs in the air. There will be a cross that will come in and you’ll go for it thinking that you have timed it right and all of a sudden your underneath it simply waving it goodbye. I feel you must have to be really confident on high balls not to have the temptation of just throwing a fist to it and hoping for the best.
Overall Verdict
I can see why this ball has come under a lot criticism as it is difficult to the right result out of it, outfielders are over hitting passes because they are putting too much power through the ball, good free kicks have been a rare treat and the goalkeeping has been made much harder.
It is a lovely ball to strike but for a goalkeeper I feel this is a curse, one of which is soo strong that I am tempted to call it anti football. Mind you some of the free kicks and passing in the World Cup has been a bit poor aswell so maybe we can say it is a bit of a nightmare to outfielders. My advice to Adidas would be to make it slightly heavier and then I reckon they could have a great ball on their hands but I’m afraid it is too light for everyone, even the pros….
Look out for my video later in the weekend I have sent it into Martin which will this weekend be live on greatsave.tv.
Get the kit: Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Keeping a clean sheet against Argentina in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals is an impressive acheivement for any keeper and is now something Germany’s Manuel Neuer can add to his career achievements.
Neuer worn the soon to be released Adidas Response Pro Negative glove in a distinctive yellow and white colourway:
Pre-order for a July delivery: Adidas Response Pro Negative - £39.99
Combined with this great new glove was the latest Adidas Condivo Jersey:
Adidas Condivo GK Jersey (Yellow & Black): £42.99
Get the gloves: NEW Nike now in store
Be first to get the brand new Nike colour updated gloves.
great-save.com are the only online specalist at the moment to to have the styles for sale so why not be first to get your hands in a pair of the stunning new gloves.
Nike has been on of the most worn soccer brands at this year World Cup and has been one of the most worn Glove brands too. Nike’s reange boasts some of the best selling cuts of 2010 with the VG3 and Gunn Cut leading the way.
To top the bill is the new Nike GK Tiempo Premier(Black/White/Orange) it is first time the Premier has been seen in this new design and what a glove it is. Look out for my HD video review next week here on blog.great-save.com.
The Range in full:
Nike GK Tiempo Premier(Black/White/Orange)
Sizes: 8.5 – 11 £64.99 2 PAIR OFFER £115.00
Latex: Laser-etched grip technology on palm for ultimate grip in all conditions.
4mm contact foam enhances grip and absorbs shot impact.
Special Feature: Nike Touch Tactile Nodes for slip-free fit.
Backhand: Ventilated panels provide cool airflow at back of hand and between fingers.
Swoosh design trademark at back of hand.
Nike GK Confidence (white black orange)
Sizes: 8 – 11 £64.99 2 PAIR OFFER £115.00
Palm: Extended, Articulated 6mm Contact Foam absorbs shot impact, enhances flexibility, grip and improves control.
Cut: Pre-Curved
Bio-Align Technology positions the hands in a catch-ready position, and reduces stress on the hands Full Cross-Ventilation provides cooling airflow through palm and back-of-hand.
Fit: 3-Way Micro-Adjustment enables custom fit in fingertips, palm and wrist Power-Punch Platform for more effective shot clearances.
Nike GK Spyne (white black orange)
Sizes: 8- 11 £59.99
Latex: 4 mm Contact Foam Palm absorbs shot impact and enhances grip.
Cut: Pre-Curved Bio-Align Technology positions the hands in a catch-ready position, and reduces stress on the hands.
Removable Spyne Finger Protection for support and customizable shot-blocking stability.
Backhand: Ventilated Mesh allows for cool airflow in between the fingers and provides a brow wipe.
Nike GK Gunn Cut (white black orange)
Sizes: 8 – 11 £54.99 2 PAIR OFFER £95.00
Palm: Extended 4mm Contact Foam absorbs shot impact and offers superior grip and control in all weather conditions.
Cut:: Gunn cut pattern utilizes rolled fingers for an ergonomic fit and enhanced feel on the ball.
Pre-Curved Fingers positions the hands in a catch-ready position. Gunn Cut Construction with rolled foam fingers for better grip and feel.
Backhand: Smooth Contact Foam
WRIST: Adjustable tunnel design with concealed wraparound belt.
Nike GK VG3 (white black orange)
Sizes: 8 – 11 £49.99 2 PAIR OFFER £85.00
The GK VG3 is famous for becoming a premium high ventilation goalkeeper glove with grip 3 technology.
This new edition is by far the best so far and has become the choice of Barcelona’s Víctor Valdés.
Key Features:
Latex: 4mm Contact foam absorbs shot impact and enhances grip.
VG3 cut Rolled Index and Pinky
Wraparound wristband provides an easy adjustment and a comfortable fit.
Nike GK Classic (white black orange)
Sizes: 8 – 11 £14.99 2 PAIR OFFER £25,98
Palm: 3mm smooth latex foam provides a dependable grip in all conditions
Cut:: Flat palm.
Wrist: Tri-Vario wraparound wristband for a secure fit that is easy to adjust.
Nike Junior Grip (white black orange)
Sizes: 3 – 8 £7.99
New for summer 2010 the Nike Junior Grip (white black orange) is a stunning value for money junior goalkeepers gloves.
The Nike Junior Grip (white black orange) uses the same backhand design as used by so many pros at the World Cup in South Africa.
Key Features of this stunning glove:
A ideal starter glove for the junior goalkeeper.
3mm Super-Soft Latex Foam absorbs shot impact and enhances grip.
A nice fitting gloves which is not to heavy.
For use in all weather conditions.
Don’t miss out on these stunning new gloves in stock now and ready to order,
to see the full Nike adults glove range click here and to see the full junior glove range click here
Get the kit: Jung Sung-Ryong (South Korea v Uruguay)
Despite exiting the 2010 South Africa World Cup today, South Korea’s keeper Jung Sung-Ryong looked sharp in the Yellow version of the Nike Park 3 Jersey:
Nike Park 3 Jersey (Yellow) – £29.99 Adult and £23.99 Junior
His choice of glove was the Nike GK Gunn Cut:
Nike GK Gunn Cut Goalkeeper Glove Was £54.99, Now £34.99 (Limited sizes available)
Forget pens! James insists England are out to beat Germany in 90 minutes
England stopper David James says that England will go out to beat Germany in 90 minutes as will do all they can to avoide a shootout.
England and Germany go head-to-head in the 1st knockout stages of the World Cup this Sunday in Bloemfontein and many England fans fearing another shootout.
The last shootout was in 1996 at the Euros in England, and the last World Cup meeting in 1990, England lost them both and are hoping this weekends game does not go that far.
David James has today been taking the players press confrence at the England HQ in South Africa and had this to say:
‘The intention for us is to win the game in 90 minutes,’ he said. ‘If it requires extra time and then if it goes to penalties, there’s an opportunity for Germany to miss so we’re ready.
‘Germany are a decent outfit but we’ve got the confidence of having gone to Berlin a couple of years ago and beaten them 2-1.’
‘We’ve had videos on the three sides we’ve played already,’ he said. ‘I was hoping Slovenia might have had a penalty in the last minute and I’d get a chance to save it.’
6 years ago at the European Championships Jamo was between the sticks during the Portugal - England game when the quarter-final ended in a shoot-out but James says he intends to be better prepared this time around.
‘The key issue we have is the homework,’ he stressed. ‘In Euro 2004, when we played Portugal, we didn’t have the access to the information that perhaps we should have done with regards to likely takers.
‘I’m delighted for England as a nation that we’ve got a chance to play Germany,’ he said. ‘It gives everyone at home the opportunity to enjoy a great football match and what will hopefully be a good win against Germany.
‘If you look at the potential road to the final, the idea of beating Germany is romantic – and it’s an achievable goal,’ he said. ‘And it will bring on another match which will have its own historical significance.’
‘Our preparation is for a squad of 23 players and whatever they’ve got to offer in strengths and weaknesses.
‘We can’t do anything about what happened (in the group stage). ‘We look back at the America game and the performance of Tim Howard which prevented a win.
‘Algeria are very difficult to score against, and then we did what we needed to against Slovenia on Wednesday.’
‘True to Mr Capello’s previous selection process, he must have gauged something in training and felt Robert was the right goalkeeper to start with. I’m happy with that.
‘I’m part of a squad. This World Cup isn’t about David James – it’s about England being successful. I trained as well as I could, got the chance to go back in and I’m happy.’
Sources:
Daily Mail online
BBC Sport
Skysports.com
The Sun online
Get the kit: Maarten Stekelenburg (Netherlands)
Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg combines Adidas and Nike in this silver, black and white coloured outfit.
For his jersey he’s using the super-popular Nike Park 3 Jersey:
Nike Park 3 Jersey (Silver) – £29.99 Adult and £23.99 Junior
His glove choice was a negative SMU of the Adidas Fingersave Allround:
Adidas Fingersave Allround - RRP £54.99, World Cup Special Price: £44.99
Get the kit: Diego Benaglio (Switzerland)
Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio went for an all Puma outfit during his impressive performance in the game against Chile.
Copyright: Getty Images
He went for the grey, silver and orange trimmed PowerCat jersey from Puma:
Puma PowerCat Jersey, Grey, Silver and Orange – £34.99
Get the kit: Mark Paston (New Zealand)
Copyright - Getty Images
After a sterling performance from All Whites stopper Mark Paston in the 1-1 draw with world champions Italy, we take a quick peek at his keeper equipment.
Paston wore the Nike GK Gunn Cut in the White, Black and Red colour way:
Nike GK Gunn Cut (White, Black and Red) – Were £54.99, Now £34.99
Paston combined the three colour Nike glove with the hugely popular Nike Park 3 Jersey:
Nike Park 3 Jersey (Green) – £29.99
Jamo handed start for England’s clash with Algeria as Robert Green is axed
Reports this hour suggest that David James will start in goal for England tonight after Robert Green was axed report the Sportsmail and other UK press.
The veteran goalkeeper will replace Green between the sticks for the clash with Algeria in Cape Town. Green’s place was in doubt all week after his howler against the United States on Saturday which cost England 3 points and has seen Green plasted all over the papers all week.
We have been following many of the UK press via twitter had reports coming through last night were saying Green was more than shaky in training at the Point Stadium in Cape Town. It’s understood to have provided the final evidence for Capello in his decision to replace Green with 39-year-old stopper James.
Only last week James spoke out and was upset at being left out for the opening match against the USA in Rustenburg and not given any chances in the warm up games.
