Soccer: Collina already a World Cup winner

Germany and Brazil go into tomorrow's World Cup soccer final hoping to prove they are the best in the world, but one man on the field already knows he is No 1.

Italian referee Pierluigi Collina has long been considered the top official in the game and his appointment for the final has confirmed his status.

"To be appointed means that those who decide believe in the official," Collina, 42, said.

"It is unbelievable. I will try to keep my feet on the ground. I have done a lot of matches but the World Cup final is totally different and I am very proud and happy to have been called by Fifa."

After the debates over refereeing standards at this tournament Collina will be expected to deliver a faultless performance in the final but he feels no added responsibility for the reputation of officials.

"My task for the final match is not to raise or improve but just to do the best job I can," he said.

Collina is noted as a no-nonsense referee who has often been handed 'needle matches' throughout his career but the bald-headed Italian showed a softer side when he revealed his post-match role.

"It is important to stay close to the losers, it is too easy to stay with the winners," Collina said.

"If you see someone crying it is important to say some words, even if it can make little difference. It is important because you have shared the match with them.

"After Japan went out to Turkey I told some of the Japanese players to be proud not sad, because they had had a great tournament."

Collina said he would be watching lots of videos of Germany and Brazil's games so far in the World Cup as part of his preparation for the final.

"The task is to be well-prepared and that is what I am going to do. I will continue to train with other members of the team to work on physical preparation.

"But it is also important to get the most information you can about the teams, about the way they play and how individual players play," said Collina, who added he was more interested in the tactics and approach of the teams - not any past misdemeanours.

"It is not about simulating or bad behaviour, it is about reading the game, being ready for the match."

- REUTERS

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