It happened again: a referee who had done well during his previous World Cup matches, now facing a decisive game; like Irmatov yesterday, Kassai couldn´t keep up to his own level in what was probably the most important match of his career. Once, again during this tournament, his assistants did an important effort in order to damage his performance.

Kassai style
Kassai, undoubtedly has a relaxed, talkative refereeing style. This is usually good, as it avoids excessive whistling, silly bookings, and means that the referee can control the match without showing desperation or nervousness. But it doesn´t mean the referee has to do his job just by warning players or making gestures instead of booking. For example: during the 1st half, Ramos gave a hard stomp on an opponent... in that kind of situation, the "talkative" referee becomes redundant, and a booking needs to be used. Again, it's a matter of justice.

Cards?
Kassai didn´t loose control during a match of this magnitude, that´s important. But both Germans and Spanish helped: there weren´t any skirmishes or violent actions. I have also to say that he looked determined to book nobody: however, despite being a quiet match, he should have shown 2 or 3 yellow cards, maybe 4. No more, but neither less, than that.

Penalty !
Kassai didn´t award a clear penalty to the Germans. It happened at the end of the 1st half, when Özil was clearly tripped by Sergio Ramos. The Spanish didn´t intend to kick the German, but this doesn´t matter here: what matters is that Özil couldn´t dominate the ball - and, perhaps, he couldn´t hit it - because of Ramos' foul. Kassai was well located but didn´t see it... or didn´t want to whistle.

The Spanish machine
All in all... Spain deserved the victory. It has been a long time since I last saw such a great football and footballers... Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Villa know each other as if they were brothers. Puyol and Ramos are great defenders and also know how to attack. Behind them, in case, is Casillas, a great goalie... Germany were a far cry from the team crushed England and Argentina. But against this Spain, it´s difficult to find a reproach for anything.

Webb?
Next Sunday we´ll be having a new World Champion. With Germany and Uruguay out of the final, we´ll probably see Howard Webb refereeing the last and most important match of the tournament.

From our reporter: Sheriff