England's Howard Webb among FIFA's final 15

Monday 07 Jul 2014
Webb has received widespread praise for his performances in Brazil
Howard Webb is one of 15 referees who have been retained by FIFA for the last four matches of the World Cup.

The Yorkshire official, who refereed the 2010 World Cup final, has been retained along with his assistants Mike Mullarkey and Darren Cann.

The news from FIFA means Webb remains in the frame to repeat his 2010 feat, after winning widespread praise for his performances in his two 2014 World Cup games to date.

So far the 42-year-old has officiated Colombia's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in the group stage, and he also took charge of Brazil's victory over Chile in the round of 16 fixture.

Within that game he correctly disallowed a Hulk goal for handball, and despite overwhelming pressure from the home crowd cast an authoritative figure throughout.

Only one referee from the four remaining countries in the tournament has been retained, Sandro Meira Ricci from Brazil.

Brazil take on Germany on Tuesday in the first semi-final, before the Netherlands face Argentina on Wednesday.

The final will take place in Rio de Janeiro at 8pm on Sunday 13 July.

By FA Staff