Oh wait, never mind. Is this the santiago they speak of in the article? I never took the time to count the panels.
how often are the balls in soccer changed? Adidas produces a new one for every major tournament; their FIFA contract to make balls only runs through this World Cup, though, so there may be a new manufacturer by 2010. That lovely ball there is indeed the Santiago, and it was last used in competition in the mid-to-late 70's, I think. It was used in my backyard, though, through the 80's.
When I (like everyone else I am sure) think soccer ball the santiago comes to mind. I couldn't imagine MLB changing the baseball every few years and I remeber all the outrage over the glowing puck that was like 2 ounces heavier so I am completely unsuprised by the outrage of these players.
Your answer is here to the bottom of this link: Teamgeist World Cup 2006 
I always get the feeling that the perennial 'oh no, new ball!' story starts life as a press release from Adidas, since you just know that some people will go out and buy the thing after reading the stories generated by it. Cheaper than new boots, anyway. Or talent.
Reminds me of baseball stitching. No wonder the goalies are upset. I'd hate to see a split-toe fastball coming at me.
I'm a bit confused: Isn't the ball in HATER's image the Telstar which is the iconic soccer ball and the Santiago was horizontal panels looking more like a volleyball? Did I misread the article or is the article incorrect?
No, I misread Hater's post. My bad, Pivo, you're right...
Can't help but agree with etagloh. If Lehmann thinks it's so treacherous then how come he kept so many clean sheets with it in the Champions League?
If Lehmann thinks it's so treacherous then how come he kept so many clean sheets with it in the Champions League? It's his Teutonic way of stroking his massive ego...just a guess. And...not that you're expected to keep up with all footy posts in the last 7 weeks Toxeth, but this appears to be a JJ thread redux, at least in part.
Of course, some keepers aren't troubled too much by the ball.
Holy sh!t I had to watch that several times. That was awesome, thanks for the link bismark.
I was at the game and it was astonishing. The whistle had already gone for a free kick, so Higuita was safe to try it, but it was still something to see. Jamie Redknapp, who took the shot, was someone I would have loved to have seen get many more caps for England, but injuries always seemed to take him out.
