Players drool over Fifa standards

KOCHI: Be it FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games or any other tournament, the make of the football that makes and breaks destinies of players never misses the curious eyes of spectators. So is the case with the footballs reflecting the talents of the emerging players at ‘Goal 2012’, an inter-collegiate football tournament organised by The New Indian Express  Group.Footballs by Nebula Ind Pro made a tournament debut at Goal 2012. It is the first time that the footballs made by the company is being used for a championship in Kerala. These footballs are made in India, following international guidelines set by FIFA. The raw materials for the footballs are sourced from Korea. The soft texture and the light weight of the football makes it player-friendly and comfortable. “Our mission is to promote football in India. If anyone needs support for football tournaments, we are willing to help,” Arun, a Nebula Ind Pro official said.Sreemith K K, forward of Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, said that the football by Nebula Ind Pro gives an opportunity to players to gain additional advantage once they get used to the soft textured and light weighted football. So far, Sreemith has three goals to his credit at Goal 2012. “The make of the Nebula Ind Pro football is such that even light force can make it move faster as compared to other footballs. If the ground has good growth of grass, players can control the ball with ease,” Eldho Sunny, another player from Nirmala College team said. Even he has three goals to his credit so far.However, the goalkeepers choose to differ about the movement of the football. “It is difficult to judge the direction of the ball as it can divert any moment”, Maju, Nirmala College goalkeeper said. Coaches of different teams said the football is better compared  to other footballs available in the market. “The soft texture of the football helps players to control it comfortably,” Narayana Menon, Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, coach said.