Jabulani soccer ball = adidas FAIL.
Caltech scientists used a wind tunnel to show that the Jabulani ball “starts with a smooth — or laminar — airflow, shifts to something more turbulent, then shifts back again.” Group leader McKeon says, “So as the goalkeeper sees the ball coming, it suddenly seems to change its trajectory. It’s like putting the brakes on, but putting them on unevenly.”
About the goal that USA scored against England…
McKeon the scientist said: “That’s a very political question.” Then, after a brief pause, McKeon the English fan could not help adding: “I’m sure it’s entirely down to the ball and had nothing to do with our goalkeeper.”
(From the LA Times.)
i’ve been disappointed by the lack of set-piece goals thus far, but the japanese seem to have the ball figured out. see the first two goals they scored vs. denmark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&v=iWPerjZl10c