Ball’s no big deal, there’s pressure
Vonk refuses to criticise goalies
The new technology used on the ball at the World Cup was supposed be a boost for goalkeepers but that has not prevented the fans from seeing a number of howlers so far in Russia.
The Adidas Telstar 18 was designed not only to be lighter in weight but move less in the air when players take powerful long-range shots, according to the German sport apparel maker. In the games so far, stoppers have not covered themselves in glory with some horror showings.
Argentina stopper Willy Caballero had a horror show when they were hammered 3-0 by Croatia last week, while the 2-2 draw encounter between Senegal and Japan on Sunday was characterised by numerous handling errors.
Japan’s Eiji Kawashima fumbled the ball to concede the opening goal scored by Sadio Mane.
Spain number one David de Gea also allowed the ball to slip through his hands from a Cristiano Ronaldo shot in the 3-3 draw with Portugal.
The question that comes to mind is: Do changes in the ball make a difference to how many goals will be scored?
In the 2010 World Cup there was a big fuss about the Jabulani match ball that wobbled a lot in flight. The strike rate at the first tournament to be hosted on African soil was 2.23 goals per game.
At the current global spectacle in Eastern Europe so far, there has been an average of 2.7 goals per game prior to yesterday’s games.
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Hans Vonk concedes that goalkeepers have had a tough time in Russia.
“I was a goalkeeper myself, so I know it’s not easy and will not criticise my fellow keepers too much,” Vonk said.
“But every four years we talk about the ball so that can’t be the problem. There is a lot of pressure on keepers to perform.”
The Ajax Cape Town youth coach has thrown his weight behind Belgium to do well in the tournament.
“There is no Bafana or Holland at the World Cup, so my two teams are missing in action at the moment. Belgium have a good squad and it could be their time.”
‘‘ I was a goalkeeper myself, so I know it’s not easy