FLY-AWAY BALLS A PROBLEM

FROM ANDY DUNN in Doha

KIERAN TRIPPIER has become the first player to admit the World Cup ball is taking some getting used to.

And the England full-back’s comments might explain why dead-ball specialists seem to be finding it more difficult than usual to find the target at Qatar 2022.

Even Lionel Messi sent a free-kick from a prime position into the stands during

Argentina’s game against Mexico.

Trippier (above), who scored from a free-kick in the semi-final at Russia

2018, explained how it is easy to overhit the adidas Al Rihla ball being used in this tournament.

He said: “I feel it’s a bit lighter. It feels, if you put too much power on it, it’ll just fly away. We just have to deal with that, all of us do. We train with the same ones. It’s a football, isn’t it?”

The Jabulani ball at South Africa 2010 – also made by adidas – caused huge controversy. Some labelled it a “supermarket ball” because it moved so much in the air and caused problems for goalkeepers.

The heat has also been touted as a reason for the misfiring from set-pieces, but Trippier refused to make excuses.

He smiled: “Every time I’ve crossed the ball, I’ve felt the balls are a bit different, but there are no excuses, really.

“It is not the heat or anything. I’m not too sure – maybe it is the players!”