• In pictures: Holland's aggressive tactics
• Wife hails Howard Webb after referee sets new World Cup record
• Vote: Do you think Howard Webb did a good job refereeing the World Cup final?

Reader views (67)

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If Howard Webb is your best, how bad is your worst? Face it England fans...you sent a bad team to he world cup (nobody plays a 4-4-2 anymore) and a referee who was clearly out of his league and over his head. When last I checked, Howard Webb is no longer welcome in Poland and several other venues including many within your own PL. You're defending the indefensible. Webb lost control of the game. Don't blame the players, whether they be Dutch or Spanish.

The first thing you learn when training as a referee is that players will test you for the first twenty minutes of a match. If you're not in control by then, the players will control you. Webb issued 5 yellow cards before the 30 min mark. The problem with issuing that many weak cards so early is that you're left with no room to issue cards for true major offenses without sending someone off. This was Webb's dilemna, one of his own making.

I don't think that Webb had a bias towards any team. He was just plain incompetent. Not only did he lose control of the players, he compounded his problems by missing obvious calls that might have had a direct impact on the outcome of the game.

Please stop going on about which player did what. The referee is in charge, not the players. Webb appears to be the kind of referee who reacts first and thinks later.

I'm sorry to be so hard on one of your own but look at Webb's performance objectively if you can. He tried his best but was not up to the task. That is the simple truth.

- Sandy Sprong, Ottawa, Canada, 14/07/2010 06:00
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Well done referee Webb! You were in a 'no-win' situation whatever you did. It's because referees over the past 25 years or so have been far too lenient, and the result is that now the players argue on almost every decision that goes against them. The ONLY way is to get tougher. If it results in 5 men or more getting sent off in a match then so be it. If more players were sent off they would soon get the message, and their respective managers could hold them to account for letting the team down. Specially if so many players were sent off that the team lost, resulting in bad results further resulting in lowering of wages and bonuses.
Get tougher Refs - you could make the game better, because the players and managers have not done it.

- Eddie Clark, London, 13/07/2010 07:17
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Karim and Andrew are spot on. Webb sends De Jong and we can turn it off until 2014. And the game wasn't so awful; Dutch execution was a bit excessive, but the tactic was effective; if Robben finishes the orange would be toasting Webb. Expertly played ball wins it and saves the cup being decided by pks.

- Scott, Cleveland, USA, 13/07/2010 06:10
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It was not a world team cup it was the Barcelona Football club who represented SPAIN and that is wrong. England should have sent in Man United.

- trevor, stockwood, 12/07/2010 23:50
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Dan,

Sportsmen naturally get paid according to their ability.

You're wrong there. They get paid what the market decides, which is the reason we have so many average footballers being paid what superstars can't earn in other sports.

Cricketers are prime example, though they are earning more than they use to.

- Karim, London, 12/07/2010 19:01
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The worst final I have ever seen! Arjen Robben just calm down and watch how the great Dutch players turn into a street gang. When you have watched this you too will say “the least offensive team won”.
Oscars nominations for all, which means you all lied and acted your way through all that shame!

- Colin, Farmington USA, 12/07/2010 18:10
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"Why don't the top players score everytime they have a clear chance, when they are paid a ton of money with the best facillities in the world?"

- Karim, London

Might have something to do with the fact that they have to beat a top class goalkeeper who is paid millions to stop them and has access to the same facilities, maybe?

"Why do top defenders make such ghastly mistakes, when again they are highly paid to do their jobs?"

Again, they are playing against top class midfielders and strikers who provoke their mistakes!

Sportsmen naturally get paid according to their ability, but even the highest paid are capable of mistakes and cannot control forces that are out of their hands (like the actions of their opponents, the weather, or the laws of physics).

Why does a rugby player miss a penalty kick, or knock the ball on?

Why does a tennis player hit the ball long or into the net?

Why does a Formula 1 driver crash/spin out of a race, or misjudge a turning?

Football players' actions will always be scrutinised because of the amount of money they earn, but there are other sportsmen (and professions - bankers, politicians etc) who earn extreme amounts of money yet act with similar levels of incompetence, unprofessionalism and petulance, but who never receive the sort of criticism aimed at the footballers!

Some footballers may act like spoilt, overpaid brats but they're certainly not the only ones!

- Dan, London, 12/07/2010 18:04
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Howard Webb did the best he could with a team of thugs vs a team of over-actors. He could have taken the ultimate in hard lines and send de Jong off for that disgraceful kick to Xabi Alonso's ribs. Terrible challenge. That said, if he had then the Dutch would still have complained, only louder...

- Paul Wickes, Bath, UK, 12/07/2010 17:55
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"...it is not much of a game surrounded by boorish chavvy types. It might be while before I watch any more."

Well good. Because I, as one of these supposed "boorish, chavvy types" you've so successfully insulted on here, Rob Slack, don't want you disgusting prejudiced types anywhere near the game.

Take your despicable prejudiced nonsense off these pages, there's no place for people like you here.

- Stu, Homeless, 12/07/2010 17:48
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Howard Webb did not cost the Dutch winning the cup. it was the poor finishing of Arjen Robben. He had two great chances but missed both of them. And if Howard Webb wasnt up to the job then he should think himself lucky as he could of been sent off for kicking the ball away when he had already been booked. I think it was a no win situation for the Ref

- Gooner Dave, Bedfordshire, 12/07/2010 17:47
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I think footballers are a disgraceful bunch. It's never their fault, it's always the refs. Why don't the top players score everytime they have a clear chance, when they are paid a ton of money with the best facillities in the world? Why do top defenders make such ghastly mistakes, when again they are highly paid to do their jobs?
You won't hear a player criticise a team mate, will you? Yet, it's ok to come out after a game and talk to the waiting press about a referee's performance.
The referee has no chance of winning, gets no help from FIFA, fans, media or the players. The whole world world would have accused Webb of ruining the greatest football show piece if he sent players off earlier.

- Karim, London, 12/07/2010 17:37
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Rob, mate here is another for you...
Robben was lucky to stay on the field of play, when he kicked the ball away after being flagged off side, when he clearly heard the whistle..
Robben and Van Bommel, los the CL final, now lost the WC final, so don't you think he just a bad loser..
Remember, players make refs have good games, they never just played football, they kicked lumps out of eachother
good luck down the Arsenal..

- adrian, london, 12/07/2010 17:35
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Rob - you need to get out of ur pants and step outside more

- BM, London, 12/07/2010 17:18
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I am just very disappointed in the Dutch taking this defeat so unsportingly. In every game of football at every level there are going to be grievances with the ref and even more so now at the top level with the speed at which the game flows (a reason for technology but that debate is for another day). However at the end of the day if you lose you should accept defeat graciously and this is never more important than in a World Cup Final with the world and more importantly kids watching. These guys are role models but the behaviour of the Dutch players after the game and their media comments is digraceful. I don't question their tactics during the game because that was their tactics and they were effective. Yes the De Jong tackle was high and dangerous but in general their physical approach was not as terrible as say The Sun today have made out. The Spanish were going down like they were shot every time and then unsportingly holding up imaginery cards which should be booked in itself. Webb did as good a job as any ref would have done in the same position and certainly better than any Uruguayan ref!

- Andrew, St.John's Wood, London, 12/07/2010 16:21
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It seems quite 'easy' right, to blame the referee! But isn't that exactly what the English did after the Germany game?! Like if that goal would have made any difference (4-1 remember?!) This is what happens when a team has just lost what could be 'the game of their life'. Don't take those 'in-the-heat-of-the-moment comments' too serieus, it's just football anyway!

Ooh and Simon: next time when you 'quote' someone: Please make sure your translation is correct/don't put words in one's mouth. You would have saved some people a lot of time and frustration by giving the right (less hysterical) quotes... shouldn't be too difficult for a journalist you would say.

- Dianne, London, 12/07/2010 16:19
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Iniesta did a 'Beckham'(Worldcup 98, ENG-ARG) on Van Bommel, but was not sent off (while Beckham was). Minutes later, Iniesta scored. Also, I wonder why players who are showing imaginery cards all the time (Xavi, Iniesta, Ramos, Puyol) are not booked themselves. Besides, I think Spanish football players take acting lessons, they were constantly doing the dolphin-act. Webb was obviously influenced by the Spanish press before the match.

- Mandy, Antwerp, Belgium, 12/07/2010 16:09
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"He had no control over the game whatsoever hence the absurd amount (sic) of bookings"

His main weapons of control are cards. Since he issued a lot it seems his tried to control the game but failed because the players reacted badly. The photo says a lot about the type of person Robben is (trashy). The real blame for a poor game lies with the Dutch team and manager. The team was consistent with the football hooligans that have been associated with Dutch football. I rarely watch football; it is not much of a game surrounded by boorish chavvy types. It might be while before I watch any more.

- Rob Slack, London UK, 12/07/2010 15:35
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" It is beyond me how anyone could consider Webb's performance as anything other than woeful."

Maybe so, but like you say, you're entitled to your opinion. We are entited to ours. It is beyond me how you can think he was so bad. It's only natural for the Dutch fans to be blaming Webb. Their team was inept. Their team was an embarrassment.

Well done Spain.

And well done Fabregas!

- Joe, London, 12/07/2010 15:30
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Referees should be treated with respect, like the rugby refs. You hardly ever hear a rugby player complain, they also call the ref sir. Webb was obviously under instructions not to spoil the spectacle by weakening a side, however Holland were a disgrace the way they hacked and kicked Spain. No wonder Spain were forced to retaliate on occasions. De Jong should have been sent off in the first half for the boot in the chest foul.

- Johnty, WGCUK, 12/07/2010 15:15
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Frankly,I think Webb did an unenviable job of just trying to keep the game going with both sides applying rough physical tactics and some feigning serious injury. In all honesty there should have been more red cards and the depleted side will only have themselves to blame. On the whole, I think Spain played more football than Holland and deservedly won the cup which, even Paul Octopus can testify to that.

- Rolando, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 12/07/2010 15:15
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To the critics ~ My initial comments were simply my thoughts on Webb's display, which I stand by & have yet to be convinced by any comments made in response, most of which are ill-conceived drivel, laced with idiotic personal malice. It is beyond me how anyone could consider Webb's performance as anything other than woeful.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 15:09
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Rob - then you lower yourself to the same level by abusing back, and you think that's ok?

How many times do I get Big Club tm fans on here using words like "brainless" and the hilarious "get over yourself" (whatever that means)?

I never resort to it, just stick to laughing at the team, the club, the manager (and knocking their spelling). Makes them look daft, not me (wait for it, we'll have hundreds on this thread now).

You've got a decent point. Stick with it.

- Stu, Homeless, 12/07/2010 14:47
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- Scott, Docklands, London, 12/07/2010 10:03 wrote, the Dutch only have themselves to blame etc.etc - I totally agree. Good analysis!

- Duncan, France, 12/07/2010 14:47
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Sorry, but this match is being reported very one-sidedly.

The Dutch tactics were obviously to spoil the game and De Jong and van Bommel in particular went over the top, but I saw just as much cynicism in the way the Spanish went about the game last night.

When a team employs spoiling tactics against you, what's the best way to undermine their gameplan? That's right, get them booked.

I'm not denying that the Dutch committed a number of dirty fouls and deserved bookings for those (how de Jong stayed on the pitch after pole-axeing Alonso I don't know), but there were numerous other instances where the Dutch only had to breathe on the Spanish players and they'd unleash a cry of mortal agony, throw themselves in the air and roll around clutching their leg, only to jump up two seconds later once the Dutchman had been booked (Busquets and Capdevila immediately spring to mind!).

And I don't think I saw Xavi more than three feet away from Howard Webb all night. Every foul, every decision, first on the scene was Xavi urging Webb to show a card.

The number of times the Spanish players surrounded Webb to harangue him into issuing bookings was disgraceful.

And let's not forget the Spaniards' own cynical spoiling game. Any time the Dutch gained possession and tried to build momentum, Busquets or Alonso was there to cynically bring a player down as they tried to counter.

The Dutch played dirty but I don't see any dignity in the way the Spanish conducted themselves either!

- Steven, London, 12/07/2010 14:28
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Rob mate, it seems you don't like anyone mate.. Do you play football or even reffed a game?
That game was ill tempered adn yeah Howard Webb was very lenient keeping on the guy who done a Karate kick, that was a straight red. It was a difficult game to ref, that wasn't a game, that was one team trying to intimidate their opponents. Robben deserved that card after running 100 yards to keep up with him, simply Webb decided too Dutch players were going down quick, abit like Drogba, that player Elia was looking for it, he had to go down as he didnt make any impact on the game. Robben should look at himself. missing a golden chance, is this the man who scored that fluke against Man Utd!!

- adrian, london, 12/07/2010 14:25
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Rob the Gonner.
You are about as popular with all the decent football fans who comment on this site as Howard Webb is in Rotterdam this morning.
It is good to see people in agreemnt about the manner in which you put down their views when they are not in agreement with your's in a very rude, abusive way.
Get a life! get away from the computor more, you might learn how to deal with people better.
Well done Spain, bad referring or not, the best team won the World Cup.

- Terry, London, 12/07/2010 14:23
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As an Arsenal fan, I can only apologise for Rob. We're not all as delicate and exacting as him

- BM, London, 12/07/2010 14:01
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For a showpiece, the game was a disgrace.

Robben missed a glorious chance and he kept on his feet when Puyol tucked him back.

Howard Webb did his best to try and keep the game going despite Holland efforts to disrupt the game.

Holland appear to be sore losers.

- Michael, London, 12/07/2010 13:48
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I watched my first World Cup in 1978, aged 11. As I grew up I read about and occasionally saw the greats like Cruyff, Neeskens, Kroll and Rep, and subsequently Gullit (later to grace my own team)and van Basten.

I'm sure I'm not the only football fan who feels today that their memories of childhood and youth have been eroded by a Dutch team who sacrificed every facet of Total Football in an attempt to kick Spain off the pitch.

I hope they're proud of themselves.

And I never thought I'd hear myself saying I felt sorry for Howard Webb.

- Blue Baby, London, 12/07/2010 13:47
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Rob, sounds like you intend to "report abuse"....have a cry instead

- BM, London, 12/07/2010 13:45
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The best decision of the night was to award Robben a yellow card for his abuse towards the referee. Regardless of the decision made, be it for him, against him or nothing to do with him, abuse on this level is inexcusable. I was impressed with the decorum held by the German team, North Koreans and Japanese throughout the tournament in ensuring minimal chat to the ref's decicions and just getting on with the game. An example that should be followed by all teams.

- Simon, London, 12/07/2010 13:29
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total football more like total fowls

- jude, london, 12/07/2010 13:25
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Quality! No mention of the fact he cost the dutch the game with his misses. He also should have been sent off for acting like a petulant child.
As a neutral I was expecting a good match between two highly skilled teams. The dutch were an absolute disgrace. Webb tried far too hard not to become the talking point of the match by issuing a red card. Inevitably he did exactly the opposite when a deserved card may have stopped the Dutch kicking their way through the final.
Mr Van Bommell, how you got through that tournament without seeing red in every game I will never know!

- DZ, London, 12/07/2010 13:20
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Ok the Dutch played a bit dirty... it was a sloppy and unexciting game. Fact is... dirty or not... they had a plan to take on Spain. Sadly the same cannot be said for our own team who were playing 'kickabout in the park' football. We were no competition to any of the teams in this tournament. Sad days...

Well done Spain... we can only dream ...

- Liberal, West London, 12/07/2010 13:15
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Is this the same Arjen Robben that had TWO HOURS to score a goal? There lies the blame.

The dutch kicked Spain all over the place and gave Webb no choice but to issue all those cards. I thought Webbs last match flowed excellently such a shame the teams could not 'play' properly for the final.

On the football side it was a disappointing world cup. But S Africa hosted it very, very well.

- bobby, berks, 12/07/2010 13:09
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If any team has the right to feel aggrieved at Webb's poor performance, it's the Spanish. Holland were a disgrace. Professional footballers are responsible for their conduct on the pitch, as well.

Had I been refereeing the game, the Dutch would have finished the game with eight men.

To their credit, the Spanish continued to play football, despite the Dutch onslaughts, and it worked. They are worthy champions.

- Nigel, London, 12/07/2010 13:06
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Not quite sure about this general belief that De Jong should have been send off. He obviously raises his leg to high, but doubt whether he intentionally stomped Alonso in the chest. Yellow cart seems therefore accurate.

Honestly, Spain was the better side but I do believe that Holland has the right to complain due to four major fouls. (1) Heitinga's first yellow cart was not a foul at all so with hindsight his sending off might have been harsh. (2) Iniesta shoulf have had a red card for fouling van Bommel. (3) Puyol should have seen his second yellow for fouling Robben. (4) Sneijders shot in extra time was clearly deflected and should have been a corner, which would have probably meant going to penalties.

Maybe FIFA wanted to avoid penalties and prefered the more skilled Spanish to take the cup (as an advertisement for foorball), which was why Howard was a bit more on their side.

- Anti-Webb, Nottingham, 12/07/2010 12:51
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What did you expect from an Engish ref? It, for me, was a typically English game, one I see in the EPL most weeks; football against non-football. Most weeks, Arsenal turn up to play an attacking, passing game while their opponents try to stop them. By fouling them. An English ref doesn't see that as wrong. The rest of the world does.That's why we are shite.

- gaz, london, 12/07/2010 12:46
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Rob Gooner, Your comments are indeed your own, however, they are also stupid. Webb wasn't great, but then the Dutch set out from the start to ruin the game. Van Bommel is a nasty piece of work, The dutch should have been down to nine by the end of the first half, and probably lost another one in the second. Robben was their only attacking option and the bloke is a horrible cheat. A good player, but vile. I hated him when he was with us at Chelsea.
The game was the winner last night, the Dutch are what is truly awful in the game. Their isn't a Dutch footballer in their squad that is fit to lace Xavi or Iniestra's boots.

- Kerry, Purley, 12/07/2010 12:43
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Dutch thugs beaten by the better team. Ref was ok, but not brill. He had to deal with 22 pro cheats/players.

- Dom, London, 12/07/2010 12:33
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De Jong's terrifying kick into Alonso's chest was a text-book example of the "Rib Smasher" technique from the Cornish martial art of Kernow-Hai. The aim being to leave your opponent in a crumpled heap gasping for air. It's usually practised on Cornish back streets after pub closing time. Has De jong ever been to St Austell on a Friday night?

- Jethro Penzance, Bodmin, 12/07/2010 12:30
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Disgraceful. the only reason Holland had 11 players on the pitch as long as they did is because Webb was being overly tolerant of aggressive and dangerous fouling in light of the fact that it was the final. Credit to Spain for playing proper football in the face of Hollands thuggery.

- Michael, Stroud, UK, 12/07/2010 12:25
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Arjen Robben said that Holland would win at any cost...they came...they cheated...they lost!!!

At the end of the day the better team won!!!

To be honest I am glad its all over...I don't think it will go down in history as one of the best World Cups!!!

- Mark, Sidcup, 12/07/2010 12:22
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Stu - I find comments in response to mind both inaccurate in terms of what I have actually written & generally abusive. If people disagree I dont have a problem, but the comments should be relevant & not abusive. If you look at my first comment it only states theat Webb, in my opinion, had a poor match & why.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 12:12
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Rob, North London did not say Webb's performance was good.

Perhaps you should follow your own advice and read what people write, stop acting like a petulant child, and stop using personal insults alongside big clever sentences.

You have a valid point (this time), yet choose to spoil it by acting as you always do.

- Stu, Homeless, 12/07/2010 11:55
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Holland were lucky that their chances were not destroyed after 14 minutes with a sending off. Im sure Webb didnt want to ruin the final with 10 against 11 . Retrospectively he made the wrong decision. Holland deserved to be dumped well and truly. How shocking for a team to destroy their history. Well done Cruyff for speaking out.

- Terry, Hennebont France, 12/07/2010 11:55
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There was a time when good sportsmen were role models to their code and whether they agreed with the ref's decisions, they accepted the result and shook hands with their opposition at the end of the game. The Dutch coach and team's post-match comments are a disgrace to their sport and to their country. Stop being such sore losers. The better team won on the day.

- D.Miner, London, UK, 12/07/2010 11:50
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The whole approach of the Dutch players was a disgrace. These were not heat-of-the-moment actions but the result of a strategy aimed at the disruption of the Spanish game. There is no excuse for brutal fouls on an almost unprecedented scale.
To blame the referee and even go so far to call him corrupt seems like a continuation of this conduct. I think they actually owe Howard Webb and his team an apology.
In total, the whole World Cup final was a huge disappointment and a great disservice to the sport.

- Lui, Konstanz, Germany, 12/07/2010 11:33
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The goalkick-which-should-have-been-a-corner is a red herring. These things happen all the time. The really stupid thing was for FIFA to immediately broadcast a replay on the giant screens in the stadium, which did nothing but incense the Dutch fans. After the goal kick, Holland regained possession and were attacking when Spain regained possession which led to the goal.

- James, London, 12/07/2010 11:28
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North London = idiot - I didnt comment on Hollands approach to the match, merely on Webb's poor performance. See my other comments which explain the matter clearly for those that are cerebrally challenged. If you think Webb's performance was good, so be it.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 11:21
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The first principle for a good referee is to let the game flow. Webb stopped it dead in its tracks from the first yellow card to the last. 0nce Spain spotted that their pathetic diving, cheating would get Holland yellow cards they just kept on diving and Webb, clearly a bit thick, bought it wholesale. A top ref will give hardly any cards. The reasoning is simple: once a team realises that cheating doesn't get an opposing player a card, they stop. Easy peasy. My cat could work that one out.

- Harry, Surbiton, 12/07/2010 11:20
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European ~ Webb stopped the game, but booked De Jong & awarded a free kick to Spain. 30 years of ignorance are simply 30 years of ignorance, although I am surprised because your rantings & intellect are those of a 13 year old. If you read my comments they relate to Webb's performance not Holland's approach. A referee has to deal with the approach of teams, hopefully correctly. Yes, we all miss things, but if Webb & his assistants all missed the challenge by De Jong & the goal kick awarded to Spain, instead of a corner to Holland, & have to issue 14 yellow cards in one match, then they are simply incompetent. On a different note I am more than happy to discuss Hollands approach to the match.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 11:17
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North London - I am entitled to my opinion & will reitterate for those incapable of comprehending my comments the first time. I believe that Webb's handling of the match was poor, I havent commented on Holland's or Spain's approach to the match, which is a different topic. To spell it out 1) De Jong should have been sent off for the challenge on Alonso. 2) Immediately prior to the goal Holland should have been awarded a corner, instead of a Spanish goal kick 3) Issuing a record yellow cards & 1 red in a final is proof that he did not have the game under control. 4) Being booed whilst collecting his medal, probably also a first at a World Cup Final. I suggest you read my comments properly & in context before making inane remarks.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 11:09
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ST - Your comments amaze me. Even you must surely agree that De Jong's chest high challenge on Alonso deserved a sending off, that Holland should have been awarded a corner just before the goal, a referee being booed whilst he collected his medal & that 14 yellow cards & a red are hardly signs of anything other than an inept refereeing performance! I repeat I have no allegiance to either side & watched a match ruined as a spectacle by a very poor refereeing performance. I am not blaming Webb for Hollands's defeat as I stated he should have sent off De Jong, merely that in my opinion he handled the match extremely badly.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 11:02
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Rob Gooner; He stopped the game because of the injury, .As for not knowing the game comment I have been associated with International and Domestic Football for over 30 years.Also how many times have you personally missed something you should have seen,plus it was the DUTCH supporters who were doing the booing,most of the EXPERTS agree that the Dutch came into the match prepared to mixit up,read Robbens remarks 1 day prior to the match in the Evening Standard,then you will begin to understand,the mind set of the DUTCH players

- European, Hong Kong China, 12/07/2010 11:02
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Rob Gooner = idiot

The dutch ruined the game. Total football! what a joke. They are an embarrasment to the side of the 1970s

- North London, Berkshire, 12/07/2010 10:54
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The entire World Cup was just really boring. Holland are typical - a team that used to play entertaining football but now are a bunch of moaning celebs who do as little as possible by stopping the other team by constant fouling. Not a great advert for the beautiful game.

- Simon James, London, 12/07/2010 10:54
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I thought Webb did very well. I was cringeing when I read Rob the Gooner's thoughts though...never ceases to amaze me how many people like Rob are so willing to combine a lack of knowledge with a big mouth.

- ST, London, 12/07/2010 10:43
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The Dutch were a disgrace to their country, their fans and to football everywhere.

Webb was not perfect, and should have sent off De Jong and the psychopath Van Bommel. However, he did very well under the extreme provocation of the diving, cheating filthy Dutch players.

The world celebrated when Spain scored, it was a victory for justice and skillful footie. The Dutch should be charged with assault.

- Geoff, Binfield, 12/07/2010 10:29
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European ~ Shows how much you know about the game, if Webb & his linesmen were unsighted, then he would have been unable to award a free kick & book the player. I didnt comment on Holland' s approach to the game, but once again a competent referee would have dealt with the match in a different way, for example, justifiably sending De Jong off, would have sent a message out to the other players. What was Webb's excuse for awarding a Spanish goal kick moments before the goal instead of a Dutch corner? I suppose neither he nor his linesmen saw that either, while the rest of world did. I dont favour either team, but I hate to see a world cup final ruined by an inept refereeing display that led to Webb being booed whilst collecting his undeserved medal.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 10:13
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I cant believe some of the postings on here already! Were you not watching the game - or perhaps a different one?

I agree totally with 'European, HK. The Dutch have only themselves to blame. I'd enjoyed their previous games, but on this occassion Holland decided they couldn't match Spain for footballing talent, so decided to kick the hellout of them.

I'm sure that had this not been the World Cup final, Holland would have been down to nine men, perhaps even eight - but thankfully we had a referee that could see that wouldn't be good for the game, and what generally has been an entertaining tournament.

So guys, don't be blaming the ref. Like many a game, the players did all the damage & have only themselves to blame for their loss.

- Scott, Docklands, London, 12/07/2010 10:03
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Maybe the Dutch would have been happier if he'd sent off a couple of their players in the first half instead like many referees would have done....GET OVER IT YOU LOST FAIR AND SQUARE!!!

- DC, Ealing, 12/07/2010 10:02
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This was an appauling performance from a top Premier league referee you can see from the first minute he wanted to stamp his authority on the game which backfired. When you analyse the game you can clearly see the spainish players diving, play acting just to get a free kick and booking and Mr Webb fell for it, but forgot to notice their where two teams in the final. Further more it is absolutely unbelieveable to hear the commentators and the pundits applauding Mr Webb's performance. The last disgraceful performance by a referee in the final of the World Cup was in 1974 and guess what yes it was an English referee also who was the losing team The Netherlands.

- Shak, Wembley, 12/07/2010 09:38
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Van Bommell should have been sent off against Uruguay. Obviously De Jong shouyld have been sent off. The Dutch were set up to take out Iniesta and he's lucky he's not injured. Robben should have scored and he didn't.

- Alex C, London, 12/07/2010 09:31
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To ROB GOONER;
Your comments about the referee just shows you how much you look at the game.Firstly the incident regarding DE Jong,if you look closely at the positions of the referee and Linesman at the time of impact,they were both unsighted at the incident,therefore he could not send off De Jong.
The disgraceful thing about the game was the way in which Holland started by trying to intimidate Spain
by committing 'professional fouls' off the ball.Every yellow card was justified and there should have been more at the end of the game when Holland tried to intimidate the referee.Even there own Football National Hero JC has stated it was a disgrace for Dutch Football...The players find the easy way out by blaming anyone except themselves,you and I plus spectators worldwide pay these players part of their wages by attending games weekly,they should be ashamed to go onto the pitch and try to injure players for the rest of their careers.I support good football,and not thuggery,and I look at a game from a Neutral point of view,last night Holland players disgraced their Nation and Footbal.

- European, Hong Kong China, 12/07/2010 09:30
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The Dutch were crass and didnt deserve to win. Webb had an ok game. End of.

- COYS Switz, Switzerland, 12/07/2010 09:16
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As soon as Webb was appointed to officiate the final I shuddered. He should have sent off De Jong, he should have awarded Holland a corner instead of Spain a goal kick immediately before the goal. He had no control over the game whatsoever hence the absurd amount of bookings. A Dutch fan commented that he thought Webb was corrupt, he isnt, he is inept & an embarassment.

- Rob Gooner, North London, 12/07/2010 08:42
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