Webb will miss final if Uruguay win
Published 22:30 04/07/10 By Alan Biggs
Howard Webb's lingering hopes of refereeing the World Cup final depend on the Netherlands beating Uruguay in Cape Town tomorrow.
A Uruguay win would rule out the Premier League referee - and his English assistants Darren Cann and Mike Mullarkey - because of the political fall-out from England's defeat to Germany.
The controversy over Uruguayan officials failing to see that Frank Lampard's shot crossed the line threatens to rebound on Webb.
FIFA are understood to feel it would put him under too much pressure and scrutiny to referee the South American country. But Webb is still in the race if the Netherlands win. His non-selection for a quarter final is considered irrelevant and even a positive sign that he has been held back.
Meanwhile, Webb's bid to redeem some pride for a deflated football nation is down to the sort of teamwork England lacked, according to his mentor.
Former referees boss Keith Hackett says he plotted Webb's campaign three years ago. He believes that pairing Webb with Cann and Mullarkey in the Premier League has laid the foundation for the trio's impressive showing.
"I brought them together way back to give them a window to prepare for the World Cup," said Hackett, delighted to see the obvious understanding between them pay off on the biggest stage.
Cann, especially, has been spot-on with several big calls while Webb's stature has grown with every match - Spain 0 Switzerland 1, Italy 2 Slovakia 3 and Brazil 3 Chile 0.
"There is a trust between them and that leads to very good teamwork which has been seamless in this tournament," added Hackett. "I would have no doubts about their ability to handle the final and I'm delighted they are hitting the targets I set them.
" Howard's success is due to his willingness to keep improving. Guys at the top like him are never satisfied. They always want to be better. And he's just the same even if it's a game in the local park.
"Howard still puts effort into coaching young referees even though he's been, in my opinion, number one in the world for two years now.
"He is a beacon for the future of refereeing in this country. Besides holding the banner for our 30,000 referees he is the one that youngsters can look to and say: 'I want to do that.'
"I also think Howard's police background has helped him. Several of our Premier League referees have been in the force and facing dangerous situations gives them a sense of perspective.
"They show excellent man-management. Howard can deal with conflict on the field and his body language comes through."
