2010 FIFA World Cup: Will the New Ball Hurt This Year's Tournament?

FIFA always has a problem on their hands.

Whether dealing with a blatant handball seen round the world, or a "little stop" (the paradinha in penalties) that has been embraced by an entire country, their rulings are swift and just. 

However, every time the World Cup rolls around, an aggressive outburst is heaved at the football corporation that gets the chance to design a masterpiece to be used in the games.

Regardless of blatant rule bending, stretching, and flat out breaking, this is always the top story heading into the World Cup.

Normally, keepers are outraged with the new ball. In 2006, Adidas made it very clear that the Teamgeist ball was planned produced for striking. Super bending ability caused an uproar from keepers, complaining that there was no way to save some balls, as strikers could control them as if on a wire.

Yet, despite the ball, and the complaints, goals were at a premium compared to previous Cups.

But this time, the ball controversy is different. Now the strikers are complaining too. They claim they can't control the ball; it flies differently every time they hit it. Everyone is complaining, even the best of the best.

Among them is magnificent Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano.

"It's very weird," Fabiano said. "All of a sudden it changes trajectory on you. It's like it doesn't want to be kicked. It's incredible, it's like someone is guiding it. You are going to kick it and it moves out of the way. I think it's supernatural, it's very bad."

Yet FIFA is intent on doing what it always does—nothing. 

FIFA's hard-headed tendencies will once again work out for the better. One thing that the controversial balls in the past have proven is that the World Cup will go on.

No matter what the conditions, the World Cup has proven that it is the greatest tournament in the world. In fact, a worse ball will actually increase the level of play. Yes, there will be a few widely missed goals, and some poorly taken shots, but that is present with all matches.

When faced with adversity, the best will rise above the rest. You can bet that although he voiced out against the ball, Fabiano will be amongst the top scorers in the tournament, along with the usual suspects—Messi, C. Ronaldo, and Rooney. 

Don't panic fans! Players will adjust, as they always do. The World Cup will still be the most electrifying, entertaining, and unifying event in the world.

As David James, the English keeper said, "It's dreadful. But I guess it's dreadful for everyone."