One month ago, the hosts South Africa played Mexico in the opening game at Soccer City. The game featured a memorable strike from Siphiwe Tshabalala and their Macarena-esque celebration. Now, on the 11th July, the Netherlands and Spain go head to head to win the World Cup for the very first time.
The last month has seen some notable moments. The failings of France, Italy and England. The surprising success of the Netherlands, Uruguay and Ghana. The dullness of Portugal, Brazil and Spain. The goals from Maicon, Forlan and van Bronckhorst. The talent of Muller, Sneijder and Forlan.
With luck, today will be the last day there is any mention of the infamous and totally useless Jabulani ball, as leagues around the world go back the makers who know what they are doing in terms of football technology. And of course, the vuvuzela, who has only seemingly be drowned out at the end of the England v Algeria game.
The final countdown
But right now is all about the final. The Dutch against the Spanish.
Holland have played in a typically un-Dutch way. The usual Total Football approach abondoned by Bert van Marwijck, which has saw success. The team are undefeated in this tournament, five wins, no draws, no defeats. It isn't the Dutch we know and love, but they haven't fallen out and they are in their third World Cup final.
The group stages were a breeze, a 2-0 win over Denmark and they secured qualification with a 1-0 win over Japan. In their final game with Cameroon, which had no effect on the group, saw them win 2-1. The next round saw a comfortable 2-1 win over Slovakia before they came up against there first real test against Brazil. A cross by Wesley Sneijder was missed by everyone and ended up changing the game, the Dutch went on to win 2-1 and go to the semi finals. Here they beat Uruguay 3-2 to advance to the final.
Holland have made it to the final twice, in 1974 and 1978. In both tournaments they were arguably the best team with their so called Total Football.
For Spain, how they got here remains a mystery to me. They haven't played that well in any of their games, especially compared to the success they achieved in Euro 2008. The play hasn't been good but they have the most successful passes out of anyone in the tournament so far, over 150 more than the Dutch.
The tournament started out poorly for the Spanish, a 1-0 loss to Switzerland. They picked it up in the last two games to record a 2-0 win over Honduras and a 2-1 win over Chile. They edged past Portugal in the Second Round before scrapping past Paraguay and Germany to get to the final, they have only scored three goals in the knockout stages compared to the seven from the Netherlands.
This is the furthest Spain have gone in any World Cup, their best finish being 4th way back in 1950. The team now have moved on from their underachiever tag.
Key players
Both teams are fortunate not to have any injury issues. For the Dutch, Wesley Sneijder should be key for them. He has been an influential player and is currently joint top scorer of the whole tournament. Elsewhere on the pitch, Arjen Robben could prove to be difficult if he changes his predictable runs.
For Spain, Xavi and Andrias Iniesta have the potential to dominate the game. Their ultimate aim will be to get the ball into goal poacher David Villa, who with 5 goals so far this World Cup, is level with Wesley Sneijder, Diego Forlán and Thomas Muller on top scorer.
Big game predictions
Since it is the biggest sporting moment of the year, I feel this occasion deserves such special predictions. So, to that clever octopus who thinks he can predict, then he's got another thing coming. I can reveal not only the winner, but even more. So, the winner will be:
Holland 2-1 Spain (after extra time. Goals from Sneijder (32nd minute), Villa (58th minute) and Kuyt (102nd minute). There will be five yellow cards and Howard Webb will rule out a perfect goal for offside.
So the 2010 FIFA World Cup comes to the conclusion tonight. To those in the United Kingdom, you will be able to watch the match on either BBC1 or ITV1, thats if you can work out which commentator is better between Mark Lawrenson and Jim Beglin. The game kicks off at 19:30 GMT+1, this game only comes around once every four years, it is big, it is important. Even if you hate football, its worth a watch.
(Just to point out World Cup finals are rarely that good, I mean 1998 was alright, but yeah, don't come into this expecting goals, because it just won't happen.)
I may have to watch ITV in return for RT my blog post. Thats with my insane prediction of a Netherlands - Spain final before the tournament even started.
http://twitter.com/itvfootball/status/18281832884
Favourtie banner so far, English flag 'Can't play, Can Ref'.
heehee. I do believe I had said so. :D
Fantastic post RG, a lovely way to end things. I am predicting 2-0 to the Dutch, so hopefully they don't disappoint!
I am really looking forward to this final even though logic suggests it should not be a massively interesting match
A fan of the Dutch or the Spanish?
I have always liked the way Dutch teams play so I have to go with them.
I heard someone on radio going on about Spain's record recently. I had no idea that it was just as good. They have lost 2 of their last 55 internationals and have been unbeated in their last 42 coming into the world cup
Boring football but they are successful with it.
'Totally boring football'? ;)
It wasn't boring. At least not at first.
I am suddenly missing Luis Aragones. :(
In this World Cup.
Oh. Seconded then.
I really feel del Bosque is riding on Barcelona and Aragones' achievements.
Over the years they have had some great teams and played some of the most attractive football in history.
And vanBronckhorst used to play in Scotland
Hi folks,
Just so you know, I have never ever seen a World Cup final
I know. Germany '10 reflects Netherlands '74. That is partially why I wanted Germany to get to the final so badly.
Hello Leigh! Join in the experience then! :D
Am most of the way through my race review - shall take a break for the action
They say the best teams in the tournament don't win the World Cup... I think Germany have been the best this year.
Hey Leigh
hi ryan
Yes, unfortunately. Well, they have at least 2-3 more WC to compete in and prove it false. ;)
Hi Leigh. Finals can be great or they can be awful
I had no idea two keepers had been winning captains. I knew Dino Zoff. I guess the other one was 1934 or 38
To be honest, I've heard mostly poor things about them
Some final game for van Bronckhorst... hope he doesn't end it like Zidane did.
On an unrelated note:
By the way, some of the Dutch guys are dreadful singers
Watching the first half hour then watching something far more important - Rubens on Top Gear ;)
A lot of them have been dull. This one needs Holland to score early to stop Spain spending an hour and a half making 5 yard passes.
BBC reading the comments
Bet Rubens is watching the football
OI! :P
Most footballers are.
oops. missed the kick off.
btw, has anyone else has chosen their dream team?
Mr C says: "Oh, that was a great fact. Nobody has passed a ball this World Cup more than.... whoever he said."
GREAT fact!
great post rg, lovely way to end the cup.
Facts like that add a lot to the conversation
meanie!
Thanks Mr C :)
For most people, this is Holland Vs Spain - as far as I'm concerned, this just eleven Jos Verstappen's against eleven Fernando Alonso's.
Should be interesting
I can't believe Ramos has just been compared to awesome!captain!Philipp. :(
Brilliant save!
:D
Good save from Stekel oh why do I bother I cant spell it.
Maarten Stekelenburg :D
I'm going to copy that and paste it when required.
For the statisticians out there, Robert Doornbos and Pedro de la Rosa are on the subs bench
I am starting to consider giving Enyeama's space on my dream team to Stekelenburg. Looks like a lively lad.
This is very similar to the Germany Spain game. When the Dutch have the ball everyone spreads out and when Spain get it everyone crushes into a small area
that would have been an awesome own goal
are the netherlands sponsored by dynorod by any chance? i need some contrast adjustment.
Spain creating chances
I am pretty sure the dutch defense isn't nearly as culpable as that.
If I were there, I would have scored that
They finally seem to be playing a little like they did in the Euro. But not nearly that high standard yet.
Yellow card. Not surprised.
Evening, I'm a bit late
hi pat
Hi Pat
Hello Pat. You didn't miss much.
Hey Pat.
Referee has evened up the yellow card
Same offence as Robin. Unsurprisingly, another yellow.
I don't understand why Puyol felt the need to dive in like that so far from goal
I just don't understand Puyol at all.
he has really awful hair too
+1
And he ran over my foot
That was a bad one. Took his standing leg.
Yellow for van Bommel. Might become a battle ala Nuremburg here.
Oh look van Bommel goes in with a stupid challenge. It took 21 minutes as well, shocked with that.
Ramos gets a yellow too. :D
4 already...Webb 'stamping his authority'
Took 5 or 6 games to get the first one
I had expected it to be within 5 minutes actually.
SPain go route 1??????????????
I expected it within the first minute.
4 down, 12 more to go...
Anyone else flipping between BBC and ITV to decide the best commentary? :)
I have just left it on BBC so I don't have to deal with ads before the match or at half time
or during the match...
That is at least a yellow
De Jong yellow. 11 more to go...
We've gone ITV.
Definite red
ouch
Thats a red card that.
Alonso does not get a send off this time.
Beckenbauer got a ticket then
I'm leaning that way purely to avoid Lawrenson
Understandable. Who is on ITV?
Not sure, I do know I've heard them before though.
I expect I'll change to BBC for the break to avoid adverts and Chiles, then back again for the second half.
Picture quality is far better on ITV.
BBC is the dark side.
#blamelawrenson
I'd like to see more of this guy; if only his voice wasn't so bloody annoying...
http://www.balls.ie/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sexymick.gif
Sounds a bit like Ally McCoist but I think it is Craig Burley. No idea who the commentator is
Mistake by Iker. How rare is that
I thought it was McCoist earlier in the tournament but was proven wrong, so I'm not sure he's there.
San Iker feeling like Superman today?
Oh dear Iker Casilas, almost embarrasing that.
Me too. McCoist is working for ESPN apparently and scouting players
I like that they have louder background sounds from the stadium, gives it more atmosphere.
Wy give the ball to Robben when he has 3 defenders in front of him?
missed!!
Because they might get a corner out of it?
Woeful that.
Mathijsen, can tell he is a defender there
Did Matijsen(?) use his standing leg?
van Bommel testing the limits there. Any predictions for the 1st double yellow red card?
It's an English referee. They like to give three yellows to a red
got to be honest, it's not the most invigorating game i've ever seen
Okay. Any predictions for the 1st red - regardless of whether it is a double, triple or straight red?
I'm thinking of agreeing with you here.
Just an innocent collision. No foul
triple?
Steven says:
they get to choose? i'm still learning and it's the last game.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graham_Poll
At the last world cup in the croatia / australia game he gave someone three yellows before the red.
They don't get to choose. Poll just made a monumental screw up. Everyone in the world knew but football being football the game carried on after the second yellow
Casilas is being kept busy today.
No, they don't. It is just some referees failed math.
van Bommel would seem a fair bet but there are a few other contendors
ahh right. cause he forgot/lost track?
In good form today. A couple of nice saves.
Half time: Netherlands 0 Spain 0
I only remember one.
Terrible 1st half.
Didn't write it in his little book. Most referees have a list of players names in their book. 1st yello card they put a diagonal line in his box and the second is an X. Somehow this was too complicated for him and his two assistants
Not a great game but the good thing is it is not one sided. Either team could still win
oh no maths!
I am watching highlights of 3rd/4th now to see what should have been the final.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hyaZOTtSmA&feature=PlayList&p=EA996A73D51DDD30&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=25
Holland should be down to about 4 men here...
Another error on Soccernet:
I think only de Jong should have a red
The officials should be comedians Mitchell & Webb
Was a slight exageration. But they haven't been pretty, I'm leaning on Spain to win, and I banned them.
oops
Bloke trying to nick the trophy
http://twitpic.com/24g9re
The man in the yellow looks scarily like Jack Bauer....
He is takling like van Bommel
Also what channel is the actual football on? I can only assume it's half time now but both channels have some sort of football programme on....
Imagine missing the world cup final for being a moron
Battle count:
Johannesburg: 5 yellows in 1st half
Nuremburg: 4 yellows and 1 (2nd yellow) reds in 1st half, 8 yellows and 3 (2nd yellow) reds in 2nd half
BBC1 and ITV1
Are you back from your hodilays?
Yeah this very evening I am back. I've had an exhausting day today just looking to mulch in front of the tv for a bit. Sadly I'm back at work at 6am :(
So, at half-time, it appears that Jos Verstappen has had several accidents; some of which resulted in reprimand, while a frustrated Fernando Alonso has found himself unable to capitalise on his stronger machinery.
Doornbos is standing by on the subs bench and may replace Verstappen at some point, however de la Rosa is still stuck securely on the sidelines.
0-0??
I'm glad I fell asleep over the first half.... :P
Clive Tyldesley is the other ITV man
2nd half kick off!
ITV1 has the least annoying commentators
Oh, well back to the BBC then.
He is one of these people who is totally anonymous. He has been around for ever but I never recognise him when I hear him and I wouldn't recognise him if I saw him
Now we're trying BBC pictures with 5live audio.
#needsmorecrofty
5live have the best commentators.
I'm hungry and want to go get takeaway... I'm thinking now is basically the ideal time for minimal queueing. Would I be missing a lot??
Ant co-commentating would be ace
van Persie was pushing his luck pushin Puyol
Another defender missing from a corner chance.
When I used to play football on a Friday morning................
Penalty
For me a clear penalty
I would say no.
albeit I had better higher studs and more boots
Nooooooooooo
Casilas touched it there, he's having a shaky game.
Why not miss Biemi?
Sato was awful when it came to long balls, but was a great penalty taker
Buemi
He hung about the penalty box while I created chance after chance in midfield then he got his photo in the paper for scoring one of them
Hehehe they both ran off the field in a straight line next to each other...
But one of them barged the other in the back
Meh. I don't like Spain.
van Bronckhorst yellow card.
Soft yellow
Are all these commentators getting paid every time they say jambalaya ball? Why not just say ball?
Heitinga yellow card. 9 more to go.
5 yellows for the Dutch. Would be a fine in the Premier League
this isn't getting any better to be honest
ITV pundit Andy Townsend: http://twitter.com/AndyDTownsend/statuses/18294584228
like firestone firehawks in indycar. you mean tyres? right.
Agreed.
Dire, really.
Exactly
genius
I'm not enjoying this. I vote takeaway while it's quiet. Hopefully it'll be better when I get back :D
ITV always lose massively to BBC in the final, I've no idea why they stick with it
Good for you. I wanted to only watch the last few minutes for the result actually. My pals convinced me otherwise. :(
Navas on for Pedro.
Spain have turned to Jesus. It will take a miracle to make this game better
I'm watching it because there's no decent football on for a month.
They all seem a bit tetchy. Anyone would think they were under pressure or something.
I am thinking of watching the Bundesliga this season.
Offside?
ROBBEN MISS!
oh dear......
Nope
Oh Robben, you had a chance of saving this game and you let Casilas make a brilliant save.
No. But that was a wonderful save indeed.
Won't ever get a better chance
I've been persuaded by Paul who sometimes comments round here. Miles better than this rubbish
I think I've seen this match before; it was once called the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix
Why try and pass it into the net when the keeper is on the ground? Bad decision
Do we credit him for that save? He dived in the opposite direction. Looked more lucky than anything.
haha :)
♥
The keeper is always credited if he gets anything in the way of a shot
He closed the ball down, stood up to it.
Philipp, Thomas and Bastian = good football. Plus all the rest at Bayern... :D
Ah. I have no idea what that means. Well done him!
Like Maicon's goal, since it was saved by San Iker, it must have been divine intervention.
Is that what we're calling toppling over the wrong way these days? :P I guess all that counts to him is that it isn't in the net...
I was thinking Hamburg but then remembered Jol was at Ajax these days.
I think RG just meant making things difficult for Robben. :D
Yes, that.
i take it this will be going to extra time, right?
Red card for that. Definite scoring opportunity
I think someone will sneak a goal before then.
Yellow card for Capdevilla! Only 8 more to go now...
Not necessarily. The Dutch are making lots of chances now
+1. I think Englishmen don't do well in football...
Van Bommel won a free kick! Like wow! :p
van Bommel was dopey there. Did he really expect to be able to turn while trapping the ball in this game.
Webb is a terrible, biased ref who has had 3 good games in the World Cup.
VILLA MISS! WHAT?
Off the line, amazing stuff.
Great saver Stekelly bloke
How did he miss that???
wow - what a miss
Stekelenburg and San Iker reigning here.
Elia on for Kuyt.
#notForlan
:D
♥
Games picked up a bit, I think I'm upgrading it from terrible to rubbish.
Aw. :D
Has the potential to become slightly meh
woh there - not too much....
Villa should stop thinking he is Honda.
Had to be offside surely
People need to stop passing to Villa. He's ruining all their shots.
They should sub Torres on for him. ;)
Free header for Ramos and he launched it
Ramos miss. Again.
Free header, shoulda been a goal.
I'll say that was the best chance of the match for Spain.
:D
Iniesta hit him off the ball
Iniesta raised his hand there
Iniesta should get a yellow I think.
Surprise, surprse van Bommel is involved.
Definitely. I have seen players get reds for that
As the victim. I think Iniesta was really at fault there.
He stood on Iniestas foot.
Someone needs to sort the colour balance on the overhead camera. Holland look like they are wearing pink
eeek. :(
i don't know who, but one of the spanish chaps looks like a bearded alguersuari
:D
On a similar note I'm not sure if you've seen Evertons new away kit, lets just say bright pink does not work
I think it was just a normal tackle. Iniesta went down like ha had been shot then as soom as he didn't get the free kick got up and went for van Bommel
Pique, me thinks.
+1.
They had pink a few years ago
Aye - it was a great half-time concert
:D
We haven't seen the Holland half for ages, you gotta think Spain will do it at some point.
Did not know that.
Robben can't beat San Iker. Again.
How many fouls were made on Robben?? Wkae up Howard
Oh Holland, Holland, Holland.
Ref has lost the plot
Yellow card for Robben. 7 more to go.
Like most of his games last season.
A long time ago.
At the end of this the commentators and the press will all say what a great game he had
He is the only one who made it to the final after all...
Fabregas on for Alonso.
There was a flurry of action with 10 to go to get a winner, but now it feels like they are playing to get extra time
Kim Jong-il is running the press room?? Interesting....
The English media is blind. Don't forget these are the same people who thought England were going to win this
5live commentator hopes Spain will score to: "save us the pain of extra time."
Even he doesn't want to watch it. That's encouraging.
Blind or plain stupid..?
And the same people who seriously ruined the chances of hosting the 2018 WC...
But if they didn't, they'd be accused of not backing the national team
The 2nd time Robin couldn't hear the ref's whistle over the vuvuzuelas...
Can someone just win?
Coin toss.
I wish Germany had beaten Spain.
I think everyone with the exception of punters, Paul and Spain themselves wished that.
They watch the premiership and keep repeating 4 legs good 2 legs bad. Sorry I mean they keep repeating best league in the world and believe it regardless of all the evidence
None of the players in the PL have performed this World Cup. I don't think its a coincidence either.
Full time of normal time: Netherlands 0 Spain 0
I demand a refund
Only one who did anything was Boateng
good luck there
I think it can be summed up as the worst world cup ever ends with the worst final ever
Better do something more useful. Shout if they go to penalties.
I am spamming FIFA on twitter for entertainment
:)
JEROME Boateng. Kevin Prince scored a goal but I don't rate him as highly.
But but but... The best German team ever! This could be the start of German football domination!
No Jerome plays in Germany. Kevin plays in England and did better than any other premiership player I can think off.
They should be in the final. Then it might have been interesting
Its a shame that the first African World Cup had to endure this football
He is going to Man city, so it is a matter of time anyway. :P
:D
Alan Hansen saying there's no way 11 men should've been on the pitch after 45 mins let alone 90
Emma thins it's dull too
http://twitter.com/emmastonier/status/18298037909
7 more yellows to Nuremburg record, 4 more send offs.
What was that? Feels like my school side.
Is there anyone out there enjoying this match?
I bet even the players are sick of it.
I think the golden goal should be brought back instantly just in case it ends this misery
Someone on my twitter feed is
Feels like a game I played in April. Rubbish game, tackles flying in, referee totally losing control. All it needs now is a fight and a keeper to get injured.
There's a drunk guy downstairs from me who's loving it
:D
Have they watched a game before?
I have suggested it to FIFA but less diplomatically
FABREGAS MISS! WHAT????
Good save from stupid named Dutch keeper
they have, I swear!
I think these teams don't want to score
stickclegelsnrburger
the morphine is probably kicking off then
Madness... ;)
Iniesta was looking for a penalty there. Shoot you moron
Do Spain actually want to score?
Iniesta didn't know what to do there
How are these teams at penalties?
They'll probably miss every single one of them
Someone bring Heskey on
Makes no difference, World Cup final with millions of people watching you, pressure must be out of this world.
Van der Vaart on for De Jong
YAY!
I thought Jesus had saved us all again.
Navas misses. Same old same old.
Spain have livened things up, more likely to score right now.
When they remember how to shoot that is.
Spain are binging Torres on? Is that not like Fabio brining on Heskey?
I've missed loads then.... :D
Err, yes.
I slightly feel bad for the folks that paid to be there
So have all the players
I am fairly certain that is not Torres
The bloke who ran after the trophy deserves to lift it more than the players.
I'm surprised they haven't taken Van Bommel off before he's sent off....
Substitute your captain in a world cup final????????
Only 15 more minutes of this.
Torres for Villa
Villa off?
Would have went two up front myself.
Have they just taken off miracle golden boot boy before a penalty shootout?
Last 15 minutes kicks off
I've not watched any football since I've been in Dubai so this is basically my whole understanding of what's going on....
Yes they have. This is being really really boring....
It's just coming straight out and saying "we have no interest in trying to score...."
Heitinga off
Red card!
Shame I had the money on van Bommel
bye bye dutch chap
2nd yellow for Heitinga. 1st Red! 6 more to go.
Ah well they had that coming didn't they....
Me too :D
Ironically that was the least dirty foul as well.
Still a clear red though.
XAVI misses.
I don't think a man down will affect the Dutch as much as anyone else though I mean they had van Nistelrooy for so long. He just wandered about offside....
Van der Wiel gets a yellow too. 5 more to go...
No different to Puy
ol on Robben though
Goalkeepers are the only stand outs in this game.
Aye.
Arjen Robben looks like Matt Dawson. Never noticed before
Robben been booked already? Thats a red card.
Robben courting 2nd yellow Robin-style.
Yes for protesting Webb's weird interpretation of the advantage rule
Yes, but he isn't given a 2nd yellow, just a talking to.
Ah yeah, I remember now.
For playing on? Surely you should play until you're in NO doubt... Like in tennis? There's no comeback for thinking you heard a whistle when there wasn't one...
This clown is blind
Definite corner there. *SIGH*
That came off the defender then the goalkeeper?
How blatent could it be. Does he want the player to dribble the ball out for a corner?
It is a yellow for not stopping when hearing the ref's whistle.
GOAL!!
1-0 Spain
at last
Yes!
Iniesta scores!
Dad is saying its offside.
Mathijsen gets a yellow card. 4 more to go...
Whoever the dutch defender that did the pirouette basically deserves OG against his name....
Nowhere near!
Doesn't know what hes talking about......
Onside.
Yellow for Iniesta for taking off the shirt. 3 more to go...
Shouldn't all the players on the bench who ran on the pitch be booked?
#pedantic
I thought it was
I'm a big fan of timewasting today :)
ITV say the corner was the one bad decision of the night. How bilnd are the media?
No, because subs aren't allowed to enter the field of play.
Well, at least Alonso will be happy....
I am pretty sure Webb would be shot dead if he steps on Dutch soil now.
Lou: The team with the fernando and the alonso did something
She's better than lawrenson
There is someone in Holland who can shoot?
We've had to put up with his rubbish all season. I don't see why we wouldn't be allowed to do the same?
brilliant
Another yellow for Xabi
On the plus side, Paul the Octopus wins more money at the bookies
Yellow for Xavi . 2 more to go....
:D
Aw...
He foils me on this occasion
I'll be back in the Euros Paul.
Torres managed to injure himself. Only thing he has managed to do all month
Torres' hamstring is gone again. I suspect he will be the next Michael Owen.
How long are we playing?
Full time of extra time: Netherland 0 Spain 1
so, why are the dutch players still protesting?
I'm a huge fan of goalies running down to try and score. We had a proper local hero who saved Carlisle from the Conference league in the last minute of the last match of the season once... He didn't even play for them, he was on loan. I thought it was hillarious....
I'll say this now.
Howard Webb should not be allowed near a football pitch for at least a year.
Bit harsh
Footballers do that
The referee is a muppet.
I don't think so. He as awful
was not as
After being totally incompetent in the Premier League and the biggest game in football?
The ref....
bad as Graham Poll?
Gary Lineker says that was victory for football - someone must inform him how awful that match was
It was a difficult game to referee, Holland set out to foul the Spanish players.
Worse
Not possible!!
Gary Lineker used to play for Spain
And the Spanish players fouled them back. Fair play I say.
Seconded. Awful refereeing for such a big match.
Don't get me wrong, he was very bad but any 6 year old can count to 2....
...and New Zealand were the only team that didn't lose in the tournament...
WOOOOOOO
A player sticks his studs in another player's chest and he gives him a yellow card. Give him a red, send him off and the fouling will calm down. He did a lousy job
in Spain not for Spain
Matching Scotland in 1974
Could care less about the football. All that matters is that the octopus was right.
and the Spanish players are now playing red instead of blue
Webb is one of the best refs in the world. hence why he was picked to ref this game. Other referees would have had a nightmare.
I want the bald Italian man with the big eyes. You wouldn't mess with him...
ITV keep saying the ref made one mistake and that was the corner. I think the one mistake he made was following his father into refereeing. Shame he didn't follow him into the Rotherham and district league
I'm not sure how he is, if anyone has seen the Premier League this season they would know he has had a total nightmare in it.
Collina the Cleaner
hmmmm... webb getting booed
Oooh Emirates ladies... those uniforms are so stupid!
then why was he picked for the final? there were other refs they could have picked.
I disagree. English referees let things go that others don't. Both teams knew ahead of time who the ref was and that informed their tactics. If it had been a strict disciplinarian we would have had a different game. Part of the reason he got the job was because England went out so early so there was no chance of conflict
I am surprised he isn't pelted instead.
He has 2/3 goodish games. Compared to the others who were making mistakes left right and center as well.
Just tradition to give the ref grirf even when they have a great game
Really?
Because England has no chance of being in it.
Are you allowed to go up and jump around with the trophy if you were sent off?
I wish he had been the ref
I presume that is true to a large extent...
All the refs of the teams in the last 8 (I think) are disqualified from later matches
He might be the only ref that's famous for being a good ref not for doing something awful....
Even the uzbekistani man? I reckon he should've had a go. ;)
Actually, he had a good tournament. I'd have picked him.
Spain win the World Cup.
Same again for Brazil 2014 then?
A ref none of the players know would be interesting
see you then
Germany for all international trophies from 2012-2022. :D
Why would you take your shirt off if you had a dirty vest on underneath....
Looked like he had a Basque statement on it
Ah. I just saw mucky...
Good news for Mrs C, Forlan wins the player of the tournament.
And for all who wants to know, Thomas Muller wins the Golden Boot and the Hyundai Youth Player Award. :D
Interesting play on District 9 on the BBC... the stadium as the spaceship
Some montage by the BBC, all done and dusted. See ya in a month football.
thank you one and all for a making this a brilliant world cup.
thank you, thank you, thank you.
i shall pass that on now.
pencil us in.
Christine is going to kill you
oh yeah... that wasn't a commitment. just if we're still here.
#balls
sidepodcast is around for the next 20 years or so. you'll be here :P