FIFA World Cup Final 2010: English Referee Howard Webb Makes History In 2010 World Cup Final between Spain vs. Netherlands
Howard Webb set a record for most cards in a World Cup match by showing 15 cards, 14 yellow and 1 red in the 2010 World Cup final, Spain against Netherlands. Both sides were not satisfied with the way he handled things, with the Dutch complaining that he was too hard on them; giving them a total of nine cards, including one red which put them down to 10 men for the last few minutes of the game. The Spaniards on the other hand claimed that Webb had been too lenient with the Dutch, handing out yellows when some challenges and offenses deserved a straight red. However, the pundits, commentators and especially the British media have spoken up in his support.
Webb faced the collective boo’s of the Dutch and Spanish fans as he went to collect his medal after the match, which ended with Spain winning 1-0, thanks to the late goal from Iniesta. The British newspaper, The Sun claimed: "Webb kept his head while players lost theirs.” While the Spanish media termed his refereeing as “abysmal” and were outraged at his unwillingness to send off a Dutch player before the 117th minute, even though quite a few red card offences had been committed before that. It was apparent that Webb wanted a clean game with no sending off’s but both sides, especially Netherlands made it really difficult for him with their stifling tactics and brutal tackles which resulted in poor finishing.
The first yellow was shown to Robin van Persie in the 15th minute for a late tackle on Capdevila; the decision however was rightly given. The second yellow came only a minute later when Puyol fouled Robben from behind. The 22nd and 23rd minutes saw Mark van Bommel and Sergio Ramos getting shown the yellow card. Ramos was booked for a minor offense but van Bommel’s tackle on Iniesta from behind should have been a straight red or at least a final warning, instead it was a simple yellow. Five minutes later and another Dutch player escaped with a yellow card when it should have been a red, Nigel De Jong planted his studs in Alonso’s chest and got away because Howard Webb did not have a clear view of the foul. Just before half time, in the 42nd minute, Sneijder stomped on Busquet’s thighs, but got away since Webb didn’t spot this foul. There were already five yellow cards going into the second half.
The second half started with Bronckhorst’s getting booked for a block on Ramos in the 54th minute. Only two minutes later, Heitinga was booked for a strong challenge on star player Villa. Capedevila earned a yellow with a foul on the injury prone van Persie and Robben was booked for arguing with the referee. Towards the end of 45 minutes of the second half, there was a controversial penalty appeal by the Spaniards, claiming Mathijsen had fouled Xavi, when actually Xavi had kicked Mathijsen. Howard Webb got this decision right, and dismissed the penalty claim. The second half had four yellow cards, but extra time would see more.
In the beginning of the first half of extra time, Heitinga received his second yellow after a foul on Iniesta, which saw his side being reduced to ten men and eventually losing the match. Gregory van der Wiel was somewhat unfairly booked for a mild tackle on Iniesta, while teammate Robben got away with kicking the ball away even though he had been flagged offside. Following the rules, Webb booked Iniesta for his celebration in which he removed his shirt, after scoring the winning goal. Mathijsen who slammed the ball in frustration after Iniesta’s goal also got a yellow card. Xavi was the last to get booked, for kicking the ball away, bringing the total number of cards up to 15, the most cards in a World Cup final as mentioned earlier.
Howard Webb and his assistants got major of the decisions right, and despite his attempt to keep the game flowing, he had no option but to hand out cards and award countless number of free kicks. Webb cannot be accused of handing out unnecessary cards, but he can be accused of not controlling the game as well as he should have, as was expected of him.
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