World Cup 2010: Strikers will have a ball but keepers beware, warns Craig Gordon

In order to make it more aero-dynamic, the ball's surface has been textured with grooves. A truly global construction, the German company collaborated with researchers from Loughborough University before proceeding to manufacture it in China.

Adidas has called the ball Jabulani which, in the Zulu language, means "bringing joy to everyone". Scotland No.1 Craig Gordon, however, believes his international peers are unlikely to agree with that assessment.

"As much as I'll be jealous of the goalkeepers competing in the finals I'll also have sympathy for them," said the 27-year-old. "FIFA has brought out another new ball and, once again, it's all geared towards helping the outfield players. The ball will swerve and move all over the place and it will make life very difficult for the goalkeepers.

"Even so, I'll watch the World Cup on television and I'll be jealous that Scotland won't be involved in the tournament."

Gordon, who became the most expensive Scottish footballer ever when he left Hearts for Sunderland for 9m in 2007, is also on course to become Scotland's most-capped keeper.

The man who wears that mantle, Jim Leighton, made 91 appearances for his country but Gordon, currently on 39, has 14 caps more than the former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Hibernian hero had managed at the same age.

However, Gordon is obsessive when it comes to improving and he'll be using the forthcoming tournament as a master class in the art of shot-stopping.

"I like to watch the goalkeepers in action, to the point where I study them," he said. "I feel there is always something to be picked up, even if it's only a tiny detail, to help with my own game.

"There will be the usual names, the established goalkeepers that will excel once again, but this tournament usually throws up an unknown. A keeper will emerge to make a real name for himself. I think that's great – it's what the tournament is all about.

"I've long been an admirer of Gianluigi Buffon. He's one of the best in the world and played a huge part in Italy's success in 2006. Ike Casillas is also outstanding and has played at the top level for Real Madrid and Spain for a number of years. I'm a big fan of Pepe Reina and it shows the high standard Casillas must reach week-in, week-out when he can keep someone of Reina's ability out of the national team.

"Brazil have always been known for their flair players,

but they have a couple of very good goalkeepers now in Julio Cesar at Inter and Heurelho Gomes of Spurs.

"It's hard to pick a winner, but I think Brazil and Spain will be in the thick of it."