World Cup sees mixed fortunes for keepers 

It has been a mixed World Cup for goalkeepers, with a number of shot-stoppers making high-profile errors in South Africa. 

Algeria's Faouzi Chaouchi, Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria, Paraguay's Juston Villar and Alexanderos Tvorzas of Greece have all been left looking foolish, while England’s Rob Green will not want to be reminded of his wholly-uncharacteristic error against the USA in the opening game. 

Many goalkeepers and pundits have pointed the finger at the adidas Jabulani for the errors, which comprises eight, thermally bonded 3-D panels, which for the first time are spherically moulded, making the ball perfectly round. 

However, goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton believes that the mistakes are not down to the ball – but are due to goalkeeping errors, which he feels numbers ones should put their hands up to. 

He said: "A combination of factors have made a handful of keepers look foolish but I believe the mistakes have been down to poor technique more than anything.

"You can look at the ball and try to make excuses but if the technique isn't there that's where the fault lies.

"You just can't blame everything on the ball even though it is a bit inconsistent and I would hope individuals who are making errors look closer to home.

"The ball is spongy and you can get your fingers into it a lot more than any other.

"It does some strange things and moves around a bit. It bounces more than any other ball that's been used at this level.

"If you combine that with the altitude you know it's going to be unpredictable. You need to judge each mistake on its merits and there's no doubt the ball has been an issue.

"The flight of the ball in this altitude is something keepers need to get used to.

"Having said that, there have been some mistakes that have solely been down to goalkeeping errors.

"Coming out for a cross which you don't gather, failing to get your angles correct or allowing a shot to slip from your grasp are all goalkeeping mistakes."