Howard Webb has ended his storied career as a professional referee. This is not unexpected; he’s been setting the stage for this for the last year or so. He dropped hints here or there that he probably wouldn’t be back after the 2014 World Cup, and even went back to his job as a police officer part time starting last
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It is now official. Here are the remaining refereeing teams for the 2014 World Cup. The next semifinal, third place playoff and final referee will come from this list. Ravshan Irmatov (UZB) Yuichi Nishimura (JPN) Djamel Haimoudi (ALG) Noumandiez Doue (CIV) Marco Rodriguez (MEX) Mark Geiger (USA) Enrique Osses (CHI) Carlos Vera (ECU) Sandro Ricci (BRA) Cuneyt Cakir (TUR) Jonas
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It’s definitely silly season in World Cup refereeing terms, with only three games left to go. Here are some of the totally unsubstantiated things I’m hearing. Bjorn Kuipers is Out – Dutch media are reporting that Kuipers has been given his walking papers, due to the success of the Dutch side. This is really sad for me, because it really does mean
Read moreIt’s Sunday, so you know what that means: Ask Jenna time! This does seem to be the Howard Webb Edition for some reason… I decided to do this in audio so you could hear my coughy, post-flu voice. I knew you’d appreciate that. As always, these answers are my own and are meant to be fun.
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Two of Europe’s best – Howard Webb and Bjorn Kuipers – were out today, and both showed just why they’re one of the best. Howard Webb (England), Brazil v. Chile Big Howard had his game face on today, particularly after the ridiculous accusations of bias from Chilean players a day earlier. Early on, he made it clear that he was not
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One of the big talking points of Brazil’s penalty shootout win over Chile was whether it should have gone to penalties at all. At about 54 minutes, Hulk appeared to score a goal and Brazil celebrated wildly, only to have Howard Webb call it back for handball. Webb also produced a yellow card for deliberate handball. Hulk’s arm is up and it
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FIFA aren’t screwing around with the first knockout stage games. They’re pulling out the big guns: Howard Webb of England and Bjorn Kuipers of Netherlands (both shown above). Brazil v. Chile will need a strong hand, and they have it in Webb, who was stellar in his last appearance. Kuipers has impressed in this tournament, as well. Also, we get some pretty, pretty boys
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Two of refereeing’s old guard – Howard Webb of England (above) and Carlos Velasco of Spain – came out to play today. One performed well, and one performed…well…. Howard Webb (ENG), Colombia v. Ivory Coast Webb reminded us today why he’s one of the best. He was nigh on perfect the first half, keeping his cards in his pockets but
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Have you noticed that weird-ass board the fourth officials are holding up to note substitutions and added time? Well, that’s the biggest piece of product placement you’ll ever see. Yes, luxury watch maker Hublot bought the game board. Not only does it say ‘HUBLOT’ in giant letters, as it has in the past, but it’s actually shaped like the original
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Over a week into the tournament, we finally get our first glimpse at England’s Howard Webb (above). I wouldn’t even call it a showpiece, pitting as it does Colombia against Cote D’Ivoire. The biggest game of the day (which Webb could obviously not take) would probably be Uruguay v. England. Uruguay pretty much must win to have a chance at
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PLAY THE ADVANTAGE 