Alonso adjusting to ball

Alonso: Adjusting to ball

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso believes his national team is slowly getting to grips with the World Cup ball.

"The ball is different but little by little, we are getting accustomed to it."
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The "Jabulani" ball has come under fire in recent days, with several players claiming it is difficult to control and a nightmare for goalkeepers.

Spanish stopper Iker Casillas is among those who have criticised the ball, but his Real Madrid team-mate Alonso insists the side are gradually adapting to it ahead of South Africa.

"The ball is different but little by little, we are getting accustomed to it," said Alonso.

"We have only been training with it for a few days and it has different characteristics but you get a feel for the touch and its trajectory.

"I think as days go by and once we play more games with it, I am certain we will feel more comfortable with it."

Spain will take on the Czech Republic in a warm-up game on Wednesday ahead of their World Cup opener against Switzerland on 16th June.