The "Jabulani" ball has received criticism in recent days with several players, including Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, claiming it is difficult to control and is a nightmare for goalkeepers.

Alonso, a team-mate of Casillas at Real Madrid, said today: "The ball is different but little by little, we are getting accustomed to it.

"We have only been training with it for a few days and it has different characteristics but you get a feel for the touch and its trajectory. I think as days go by and once we play more games with it, I am certain we will feel more comfortable with it."

The European champions are currently training in Austria in preparation for the World Cup. Spain take on the Czech Republic on Wednesday in a warm-up game.