In reality while I returned the ball to the store after a month I should thank this ball because if anything it helped sharpen me up since I had to react to its sometimes unpredictable aerial movement. After all the keeper position requires sound fundamentals and quick reactions so it helped this 40 year old rusty coach and rec. league player step up my game after not playing for several years.

I would not recommend this ball for match play…it is too expensive and actually favors the goalkeepers because it is harder to kick on target for field players.

If you want a novelty to display or simply remember the many magical moments of the 2010 World Cup I would buy the less expensive “adidas World Cup 2010 Repliqué Soccer Ball” from Amazon for around $25.00 but if you want the real thing and can afford it I would check out World Soccer Club, they have a link for “FIFA WORLD CUP BALLS” where you can find the replica of the match most memorable to you. Every match has the official ball with the two teams playing stamped on them used for the match and you can buy the real deal; so it looks just like this ball but has “England” and “USA” printed on it for the US v. England match, for example (hope that made sense, could have been better written).

Nice design, sleek look and interesting topic of conversation. I would be surprised if the previous reviewer is who he claims to be but I guess with so many professionals over dramatizing the sport I shouldn’t be. Soccer/Football is a great game but when a player blames the ball that is just sad! I felt bad for the keeper when I saw the fundamental error in the first match that went for a goal…I did this a couple times before I turned 10 and it was hard to watch but I stood by the keeper and expected him to bounce back. But, after reading the review I have to say I don’t feel bad for him anymore as the review was just a long whine about the ball, the ball, the ball. It is never the balls fault, get over it or you’ll never improve your game.
Rating: 3 / 5

CONS: It’s a very bad ball for any serious game. It’s too slippery, so I’d advice you to use it often to get used to it before you introduce it in games that matters to you. It looks and feel like a toy sold in discount store. Very hard to keep it in the air if you are trying to kick it after a pass and before it touches the ground. You try to kick it to someone and you can’t predict the route it will take… super hard to grab it when wet, even with goalie gloves on. The price is too stiff for the low quality offered.

Obrigada!
Rating: 2 / 5