The Socceroos have found themselves in the crossfire of a brand war between sports manufacturers Nike and adidas, disappointing some players who were unable to use the official World Cup match ball in the early stages of their preparations due to conflicting commercial agreements with Football Federation Australia.

Two weeks from their World Cup opener, Australia played their first warm-up match on Monday night against South Africa with a ball made by the national team's manufacturing partner Nike, instead of the FIFA-approved World Cup ball - the adidas-made Brazuca.

The prize: the World Cup Trophy and the official ball side by side at the Maracana. Credit:Getty Images

The prioritising of sponsorship over players' needs has been poorly received by some, including captain Mile Jedinak.

Given past controversies of the unique World Cup balls used in 2002 and 2010, players wanted to test themselves in match conditions with the Brazuca against South Africa.