adidas EUROPASS Causing Concerns for Top Keepers

adidas EUROPASS Causing Concerns for Top Keepers
by Steve Amoia for Keeper Skool

Video from the adidas Factory

Field Test

I visited a local store that sold a replica of the EUROPASS. Here are some quotes from the product insert:

“Thermal bonding: Seamless panels create a smooth, consistent kicking surface. This results in minimal water uptake. Maximum abrasion resistance. Uniform ball with soft touch.”

adidas also stated that this ball was designed with goalkeepers in mind:

“The unique outer skin improves power transmission, creates greater swerve and increases accuracy on the pitch, in all conceivable weather conditions. And for the goalkeeper too, providing a much better grip between glove and ball, substantially improves his catching of the ball.”

Source: adidas Pressroom; adidas EUROPASS- the match ball with “goose bumps.”

For me, the ball had a slick, slippery-like texture to the bare hand. It is seamless, and very light weight. When I put it on the carpeted floor, it had a sticky feel as I moved it around with my feet. When tossed a few times in the air, it seemed to have a very true bounce.

There were adidas gloves nearby (Fingertip E7S), and I tried them on. In my opinion (I am not a keeper), the ball was easier to grip with gloved hands.

Comments by Jens Lehmann of Germany, Gianluigi Buffon and Marco Amelia of Italy

“I have had a few problems with the official balls, I only started working with them a week ago, but they are very different from the ones used for the 2006 World Cup. During the first half, I went to catch the ball and it started to float a bit… I hope that in the days to come, when I have found a little bit of freshness, I shall be able to have time to train with shots coming in from a distance.” Jens Lehmann

“Maybe we just have to get used to it. But it won’t matter, I’ll get the ball anyway.” Gigi Buffon

“It changes direction. To not make a mess trying to stop it, it’s better to beat it away.” Marco Amelia

Source: Another Day, Another Keeper Dislikes the Ball.

If you have access to the ball, please let us know what you think.

Euro 2008 TV Coverage in North America

Euro 2008 kicks-off on 07 June from Austria/Switzerland. Coverage in North America will be live on ESPN2. A few group round games will be shown on ESPN Classic, and ABC will broadcast one quarterfinal (21 June) and the final itself on 29 June. As a prelude to the Euro 2008 final, ABC will broadcast the LA Galaxy v. DC United from RFK Stadium at 12 noon Eastern time. The final from Vienna, Austria will take place at 2:45 p.m. Eastern time. Mark your calendars for a prime-time Sunday of domestic and international soccer coverage.

Steve Amoia is the author and editor of World Football Commentaries. He writes for Soccerlens and Keeper Skool.