The World Cup Ball

[MrsB]

Some interesting comments on The Science Of Sport blog and in New Scientist about this.

I agree that the altitude factor shouldn't be underestimated. I've been on altitudes from St. Moritz (1850 m) to La Paz (3600 m) and higher and can tell from my own experience that it really affects you. Running on a flat course in St. Moritz e.g. feels like running uphill on sea level.

[G]

Or because he's sponsered by adidas?

It crossed my mind to be honest since he's German and so are Adidas but I think there's more to it.It's a big list of players you posted that have said something about the ball,some positive others not so.However the bigger list is those who have said nothing and just got on with it.I'm sure plenty of those that have been critical play in Adidas kit for their clubs or national team.

The altitude effect can't be ignored and its a new ball so has its own characteristics but its like anything,they need to get used to it and should've been doing so since the ball was released.