Webb Gets Final

[takeonthekeeper]

The 38-year-old from Rotherham has been chosen for the final by FIFA's Referees' Committee.

Webb and his assistants Darren Cann and Michael Mullarkey will officiate in the final on Sunday between Spain and the Netherlands at Johannesburg's Soccer City.

WIDESPREAD PLAUDITS
The trio have won widespread plaudits for their composed control of their three matches so far - the Group H meeting between Spain and Switzerland, the Group F fixture between Italy and Slovakia and the second-round tie between Brazil and Chile.

Webb, a former police officer from South Yorkshire, has used his physical presence to good effect, swiftly intervening in potentially explosive situations.

He has also earned the respect of the players with his accurate assessment of incidents while his assistants have proved spot-on in even the tightest offside calls.

Webb will become the first Englishman to referee the final since Jack Taylor took charge of Germany v Holland in 1974.

The greatest refereeing honour in the game is the perfect birthday present for Webb who turns 39 on Wednesday. It is a double accolade as Webb and his team also took charge of the Champions League final in May.

ULTIMATE APPOINTMENT
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore has paid tribute to Webb and his team after they secured the appointment.

"We see the hard work and professionalism of Howard Webb, Daren Cann and Mike Mullarkey week in week out when they are officiating in the Barclays Premier League," he said. "So, it is great to see their fantastic season, where they have already represented English refereeing in the UEFA Champions League Final, topped off with the ultimate appointment - the FIFA World Cup Final.

"Credit must go to the Professional Game Match Officials too - the support, training and assessment processes they have in place mean we benefit from having the best prepared officials; clearly this has been an advantage to Howard and his team."

Mike Riley, general manager of Professional Match Game Officials said: "This is a tremendous achievement for Howard, Mike and Darren to officiate the FIFA World Cup Final, made all the more remarkable given that no other officiating team has been given it off the back of the UEFA Champions League Final in the same season.

"It's not only recognition for their excellent tournament in South Africa so far but also the progress they have made internationally over the last four years. As a team they've worked incredibly hard to get to this stage, starting back at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2007, then Euro 2008 and last year the 2009 Confederations Cup. It's just rewards for all their efforts.

"Their appointment is fantastic recognition for English refereeing and should act as an inspiration for all young referees wanting to enter into the game. It just shows what you can achieve if you work hard.

"It also reflects very well on their Select Group colleagues and all of the team that support them throughout the season. We have a team of full-time sports scientists and psychologists who work on all aspects of their fitness and well-being, meaning not only do we have a group of referees who are excellent athletes but also have an extremely professional attitude.

"We are extremely proud of Howard, Mike and Darren and I'm certain that they'll enjoy the occasion."

[Bomber]

Go Spider.

[Red-4-Life]

Best referee going around IMO