Saturday 10 Jul 2010
Webb speaks of ultimate honour
Howard Webb claims the 'ultimate honour' of refereeing the World Cup final is just reward for 20 years' hard work.
The official from Rotherham was confirmed as the referee for Sunday's Spain versus Netherlands showpiece in Johannesburg by FIFA on Thursday.
Webb, who along with assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey also refereed May's Champions League final, has spoken of his honour at the appointment.
"It feels magnificent," he said. "We are delighted to have been selected for the game, it is a wonderful honour and a privilege. It is the ultimate honour for a referee.
"We are proud to be representing the English FA as well as FIFA and all the other officials here at the World Cup.
"We will be proud to be able to show the ability and quality of match officials in England when we take to the field tomorrow evening.
"This is the World Cup and it's massively important for the world. We understand the importance of the game and we will need total focus and concentration.
"We will try to be a calming influence where we can and use all our experience of being involved in big games."
The final will be Webb's fourth match at the finals after starting out with Spain's surprise Group H defeat to Switzerland in the first round.
He also refereed Italy's final group game against Slovakia and the last 16 encounter between Brazil and Chile.
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