Slippery, fast describe new World Cup ball

GENEVA (AP) -- Jens Lehmann's first day as Germany's No. 1 goalkeeper was also the first day the Germans practiced with the official World Cup ball -- and Lehmann didn't like it.
Lehmann said after Monday's practice that the ball was too fast and slippery when it rains.
"It may be good for the outfield players and for the crowd, but not for the goalkeepers," Lehmann said.
The World Cup ball is made by Adidas and is officially known as Teamgeist (Team Spirit) -- which has been the rallying cry of the German team as it prepares to host the World Cup.
"When it rains it's going to be very uncomfortable for us," Lehmann said. "It gets very slippery and flutters in the air."
The ball made by rival manufacturer Nike didn't get high marks from Lehmann, either.
"Both of them make the goalkeepers look bad," he said.
Lehmann joined the team Sunday in Geneva, after it flew in from Sardinia, where Germany conducted the first stage of its World Cup preparations that focused on improving fitness and did not include any practices with a soccer ball.
Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann decided last month to make Lehmann his No. 1 goalkeeper, demoting longtime starter Oliver Kahn to the bench.
Lehmann said he had breakfast in the team hotel with Kahn. The two rivals have had a tense relationship for years and have not been friends.
Team officials have said that Kahn was in a relaxed mood and having a positive influence on younger players. Kahn and Lehmann, both 36, are the oldest players on Klinsmann's young squad.