Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG) - Part I

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

As a casual observer, and not knowing FIFAs assigning process, I would've thought that the crew would not have been European. When was this announced?

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

It's just my thought. I have not been following the Cup closely enough to have known that.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

There is something to be said for going out on a high note though. Good question.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Maybe, but Webb is only 38 years old! He's still eligible for the next WC, and Atkinson is the same age as him, so I don't see the benefit of pushing Atkinson for the next WC cycle. Then again, Webb may want to return to his "day job" as a police officer, from which he is currently on sabbatical. I think that it makes more sense for the FA to push Clattenburg for the next WC, as he is only 35, but that will depend of whether Clattenburg joins the elite list in UEFA soon.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Why would England not back both? There are rumors that Webb has wanted to retire from refereeing. However, if he decides to hang on, it seems like England is in a great position to have two referees at the next Cup. How could you not invite back Webb after awarding him the final (barring a disaster tomorrow). He would be as close to a lock as there has ever been for returning. Then, England could push Atkinson in to the tougher matches over the next 4 years and have him selected on his merits. I would think if Webb retires that Atkinson would nearly be a lock for 2014 so why would Webb retiring change that much (assuming politics can be overcome)?

Personally, I think Webb will hang it up, but if not, has anyone ever returned to a WC after doing the final?

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Oh wow. Wasn't expecting this, but what an international year for Webb. UCL and WC Finals. Don't think that he'll retire though, seeing he's not always considered the best int he EPL, I think that he'll want to improve his mark there.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

I really enjoyed all of the analysis on the other "Final" thread about who might be the most likely candidate for this honor. but, for me, it was a toss-up between Busacca and Webb. It's really just personal preference as far as style and personality (as much as can be perceived as an observer). When I heard Busacca was eliminated, my heart sunk a little, but my gut stayed with Webb.

I watched both of their UCL finals and was very impressed with the way they each handled themselves in a big match. I really think he is a better fit for international matches than for the EPL anyway. I don't have any facts to back that up. It's just an opinion.

All of the other candidates are great referees as well, but IMO, Webb and his team have an undefinable quality that made FIFA find them to be the best candidates.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Nothing left to prove for sure, but would seem he could work EPL and still keep his day job as a policeman...if he wanted to keep refereeing.

I'm shocked that Webb got the game, after seeing Archundia kept around without working any knockout round games. Both of them are deserving of the final. World-class referees to be sure. Personally, I have a much more comfortable feeling with either of them in charge of a match vs. some of the other folks as Kassai, Irmatov, Nishimura, etc.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

FIFA simply went with a european referee because of the teams in the final.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Didn't Webb do Spain earlier in the tournament? I would have thought that would have taken him off the list?

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

I think that's the key. I think these were the two for the last two matches regardless and it simply came down to Tuesday's SF. Archundia was going with Uruguay and Webb with the Dutch. The Netherlands won and with them in to the Final came Webb. Uruguay falls to 3/4 match and Archundia slides with them. This is to allow the policy of no UEFA referees on matches when only one UEFA team is playing.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Webb may retire....considering Rosetti who did the Euro 2008 final just retired and he was only 42 and could have done euro 2012...once they do a final...most don't have the drive anymore.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

So what kind of match is Webb likely to see? Spain hasn't had a YC all tourney, and vBommell should have had a dozen by now.

Unlike Ger/Spain, these two sides haven't played in what, 3 years? - so they don't exactly know one another and play different styles. Both ingredients (in my mind) for a more cynical match, particularly when you throw in Robben's incessant theatrics.

Will be interesting to see how Webb handles it.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Congrats Webby!

Now that's out of the way, how many of the players out there on Sunday has he seen in the past 12 months? Both at home and in Europe?

Someone with more time on their hands than I have can probably research this.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Surely Webb can make a lot more money as a top flight referee than as a police officer, right? So why would he retire when he should have at least 4 more years of excellent earning potential? Rosetti seems to have gotten a plumb job with the Italian FA, but I don't think Webb would be given the same opportunity in England.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Told You so.

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

If I am Webb, I semi-retire after this and take a quarterfinal game in every tournament for the next 7 years.

If I am the EPL, I don't let him anywhere near a bobby helmet. They are tight for good refs in that league, and now he will be the older statesman. The players have always respected him, even if he dows make as many mistakes as anyone else.

(And no way Clattenberg is next in line in my book. If age were irrelevant, Andre Marriner is way better referee than Clatts.)

 

Re: Final Analysis: NED-ESP - Webb (ENG)

Now......since he can't suffer in future assignments because there is no better assignment than this, does he officate this along the lines of an EPL match, or the different style of an International Match. My gut tells me that he will be allowing the players to decide the match, and will attempt to stay out of the way as best as he knows how. I hope that doesn't backfire on him if Spain goes ahear early. If the Dutch find themselves being dominated or down early, they may resort to more cynical play.