Picture taken from FIFA.com
Adidas Jabulani is the official match ball used in FIFA World Cup 2010. According to Wikipedia, the ball produced by Adidas is actually developed at Loughborough University in UK, unveiled in Cape Town, South Africa on December 4, 2009. So, what does Jabulani means? It means “rejoice” in Zulu. 
Oh, there is another golden version of this ball, Jo’bulani, which will be used in World Cup 2010 Final. How they get this name? It is actually inspired by Johannesburg, often nicknamed as Jo’burg will host the final match. Mix and Match, here comes the name Jo’bulani. Only the final two teams will be lucky enough to use this ball.
If you are following the games in World Cup 2010, probably you will fall asleep because of the dull matches. And, a lot of star players actually criticize the ball, giving a lots of negative feedback. Let’s see what they said (adapted from Wikipedia) :-
Brazil goalkeeper, Júlio César said:
It’s terrible, horrible. It’s like one of those balls you buy in the supermarket.
Spanish Goalkeeper Iker Casillas:
It’s a little sad that in a competition as big as the World Cup to have such a poor ball. It’s not just the goalkeepers complaining, but the outfield players as well.
Brazilian striker Robinho:
For sure the guy who designed this ball never played football. But there is nothing we can do, we have to play with it.
Argentina striker Lionel Messi stated:
The ball is very complicated for the goalkeepers and for us [strikers].
England striker Wayne Rooney said:
We’re starting to get used to it eventually,’ he said. ‘I can imagine it’s been a nightmare for goalkeepers but for forward players when you get your shot off it’s an advantage I feel. So I think we’re getting more used to it with every day that goes by.
However, a number of Adidas sponsored players like Kaka, Lampard, Ballack think the ball is just good and nice to play. Adidas also claimed that the ball had been used since January of 2010, and that most feedback from players had been positive. Regardless of what ball they are using, I believe the result speaks everything. So, let’s see which two lucky teams will use the Jo’bulani in the final. 
Will try to update the World Cup 2010 Fans Gallery in the next few posts :D
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