Chris Waddle's missed penalty for England in the 1990 World Cup semi-final would have gone in had the new ball for next year's tournament been used, according to a scientist who helped develop the ball. Manufacturers Adidas claim that the 'Jabulani' ball to be used in South Africa next summer is 20 per cent more accurate than conventional footballs, and Dr Andy Harland of Loughborough University claims the difference would have been enough to ensure that Waddle's spot kick found its target rather than blazing over the bar.

"He aimed for the top corner," explained Harland, adding that the more accurate ball would have rewarded Waddle's efforts for precision.

"If he had this ball I think it would have gone in."

The new ball - whose name is the Zulu word for 'celebrate' - is claimed to be the roundest ever made, using thermally-bonded, spherically-moulded panels to make it stable in flight.

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