World Cup to get most accurate football

The official match ball for next year's World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea was launched on Friday, revealing a tradition-breaking new design.

World Cup sponsors Adidas, unveiling their "Fevernova" ball, said they had dropped the pattern used at every World Cup since 1978 in favour of a triangular design in red and gold symbolising the passion and energy of the two host countries.

Adidas technical expert Guenter Pfau said the ball, which features gas-filled micro-balloons under a foam layer, was designed to produce a more precise flight path, making it the most accurate football ever.

A video presentation of England captain David Beckham playing keepy-uppy with the new ball accompanied the launch in Pusan ahead of Saturday's draw for the 2002 finals.

Beckham gave the new ball the thumbs-up in the video, saying: "the power and accuracy are exceptional."