World Cup News & Information
++ UK Footy News ++ European footy News ++ Footy Main
World Cup Final Referee Subjected To Death Threats?
English Referee Howard Webb has come under serious scrutiny after his display in the World Cup final and even death threats if the tabloids are to be believed. It was certainly a tough game to officiate with several players failing to behave themselves and respects Webb's authority. The Yorkshire man showed 14 yellow cards and one red to Everton's Johhny Heitinga in the final. Overall he had a decent game in the circumstances, but a few of his decisions have to be scrutinized such as Nigel De JOngs karate lung into Xabi Alonsons heart, which the Dutchman should have seen red for. The sending off of Johhny Heitnga was probably the most controversial decision and you can see why Webb made that call, however replays showed minimal contact from Heitinga and the sending off proved decisive as Spain went on to score the winner just 5 minutes later.
The existence of the death threats is absurd though I can understand that Dutch fans are hurting, but although Webb may have made some mistakes they're didn't appear to be any bias in his refereeing and ultimately Holland lost the final because of Spain's superior attacking prowess. Threats on a mans life are totally out of order and if they can track down any of these sick maniacs they must face severe punishment. Mr. Webb does not in any shape or form deserve that.
World Cup Final
Spain 1-0 Holland Spain flew out of the traps and put pressure on the Dutch defence Their best chance early on was a header from Sergio Ramos which was well saved by Dutch keeper Steklenburg. Holland were lucky to still have ten men on the pitch after midfielder Nigel De Jong's karate kick into Xabi Alonso's chest. he bizarrely escaped without punishment. Holland grew into the game as it went on and had their first real chance when Arjen Robben broke through on the counter attack and was one on one but his tame effort was stopped by the legs of Ilker Casillas. David Villa had an excellent opportunity late on ,but his close range shot was bravely blocked by Jonny Heitinga. Both sides had glorious opportunities to score the winner and when Ramos broke unmarked from a corner and saw his header ballooned over the bar, the game started to look destined for extra time. Robben had one more opportunity where his pace got him past Carles Puyol and Puyol appeared to rugby tackle him, but the winger stayed on his feet and Casillas won the ball off him cleanly, Robben would later rue these missed chances.
So the game went into extra time and at this stage both sides looked capable of winning,but it was the Spaniards who looked more dangerous with their attacking style of play. The Netherlands began to look tired as did Spain but they seemed a little fresher and when substitute Cesc Fabregas was fed through with only Steklenburg to beat he made the wrong move and shot at the goalkeeper when he could have squared it for their leading scorer David Villa. The turning point in extra time came after another brilliant move from the men of the match Xavi and Iniesta, Xavi's delicate chip found Iniesta who was through on goal, but tugged back by Heitinga, Iniest made the most of it but in the referee's eyes he had to go and Holland were reduced to ten men.
The Oranjes had 11 minutes to hold on for penalties and were looking for five minutes or so like they might do. Another fine Spanish move resulted in Cesc Fabregas passing it through to Iniesta once again and on 126 minutes his well drilled shot from 12 yards won Spain's first ever World Cup. The Dutch were irate as they appeared to be foul on their player Wela in the build up to the goal, the player was crowded out by the Spanish but a foul may have been a little harsh. Holland had a couple of late throw ins into the box, but seemed too lethargic now to create anything from these attacks, the whistle sounded and Spain were World champions. The Dutch felt extremely hard done by and they did have some cause for discontent, but to be fair Midfielder Nigel De Jong definitely should have seen red in the first half and Marc Van Bommel was lucky not to be sent off with his persistent cynical fouling. The Dutch did well to take the game that far, but in the end the quality of Spain's midfield and attackers, particularly man of the match Andres Iniesta wore down Holland and the best side in the world have it confirmed with their first ever World Cup win.
World Cup Third Place Play Off
Germany thrashed Argentina 4-0. The Germans went in front within 3 minutes when a German set piece was headed in by Thomas Mueller for his 4th goal of the finals. Argentina fought back though and pushed for an equaliser however in doing so they left their vulnerable defence exposed. Gonzalo Higuain saw his goal ruled out for offside to the dismay of manager Diego Maradona but replays showed It was the right decision. The South Americans looked devoid of creative ideas with midfielders such as maxi Rodriguez and Angel Di Maria failing to supply their world class forward line. The Argentines were still in the game though until a great move from Germany resulted in an unmarked Miroslav Klose scoring with 22 minutes left on the clock to sink Argentinean hearts.
Just a few minutes later it was game, set and match when one of the players of the tournament Bastian Schweinsteiger went on a superb run round their backline and the goalkeeper Romero and squared for defender Arne Friedrich to score his first goal for his country. Argentina were stunned after being in the game for so long they had seen their hopes dashed in a mad five minutes. Young sensation Mesut Ozil broke free from midfield and his pinpoint cross was expertly volleyed home by Klose for his 14th World cup goal just one away from Brazil's Ronaldo record of 15. The world's best player Lionel Messi was anonymous as he had been for much of the World Cup, but he was not helped by the lack of support and a poor defensive display.
The game looked to be heading for extra time as Paraguay held their own and stopped the European champions from scoring that elusive goal until some magic from Andres Iniesta assisted substitute Pedro who rattled the post it fell to his new Barcelona teammate David Villa who also struck the post and a second one before it nestled in the net for 1-0 in the 83rd minute and the Spanish squad went crazy. Roque Santa Cruz had one last chance for his country, but his shot from just a few yards out was straight at Casillas who saved Spain's blushes once again. That Man David Villa was the difference once again and his winning strike make shim the leading scorer in the competition with 5 goals to his name if it had not been for Villa than I think the Spanish would have been eliminated by now he has been the difference without question. Paraguay have every reason to feel proud of themselves as they reached the quarter finals for the first time and were close to beating one of the best sides in the world.
Striker Cardozo was crying after the game and needed consoling as he knew that if his penalty had been scored we could have been looking at a major upset, but in the end Spain's quality shone through. Spain will now face Germany in what promises to be an epic semi-final and I'm nor making the mistake of drawing any conclusions I feel that anything can happen in this game between two of the worlds top football teams.
Desailly Wants Evra Dismissed
French legend Marcel Desailly calls for Patrice Evra to be axed after his part in Frances shambolic display at the World Cup. The French Captain Evra was one of the ring leaders in France's controversial training session strike and former World cup winning skipper Desailly believes Evra should face the consequences of his actions.''The captain made a mistake and he has to assume the consequences of his actions. He decided not to train before realising his mistake and apologising but he deserves at least a temporary suspension.''
