The Yorkshire official was made the media's scapegoat for Spain's shock defeat by Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament, although neither coach Vicente del Bosque nor any of the players made critical remarks about his performance.

Spanish sports daily Marca said: "Bad news - Webb will referee the final."

Sports newspaper AS said Webb's appointment was "debatable" and that he had made two mistakes in the game against Switzerland.

Barcelona-based sports daily Mundo Deportivo was equally despondent ahead of the final against Holland saying: "Bad memories for La Roja [The Reds]."

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FIFA president Sepp Blatter has sent a letter of condolence to the wife of Bob Millward, the chief football writer of the Associated Press who collapsed and died in Johannesburg yesterday.

Millward, 58, from Birmingham had reported on seven World Cups and numerous Olympic Games during his career.

In his letter to Millward's wife Pauline, Blatter says: "I remember Robert Millward as a true connoisseur of sport in general and football in particular.

"He has always been a dedicated professional who had covered a total number of seven World Cups."

Millward was a fervent West Brom fan and his wife wants to have his ashes scatted at the Hawthorns.

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The company that runs the airports in South Africa will pay some compensation to fans who missed Wednesday's semi-final between Germany and Spain.

Six flights carrying supporters were turned away from Durban's new airport due to congestion and diverted to Johannesburg.

FIFA yesterday insisted they had no responsibility for the foul-up and today local organisers said the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) would make a goodwill gesture to the fans.

Organising committee spokesman Rich Mkhondo said: "Anybody who can prove they had a ticket for the match on these flights qualifies for this gesture of goodwill."

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The news that Holland have been fearing has arrived: Paul the psychic octopus has predicted that Spain will triumph on Sunday.

The octopus, who has a 100% success rate in predictions for this World Cup, has also predicted Germany will be Uruguay in the third place play-off.

Mind you, what would anyone expect given that Holland and Germany have such rivalry and Paul lives in Oberhausen.

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That Mitchell and Webb link: Howard Webb is referee for Sunday's final, exactly 60 years after Scotsman David Mitchell ran the line in the 1950 final.

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Two Spain players, Sergio Busquets and Pedro, had cash and documents stolen from their hotel rooms ahead of their World Cup semi-final win over Germany in Durban.

Pedro had the equivalent of around £700 taken while Busquets, who lost a sum worth around £500 and his passport, said: "Nobody likes to be robbed but I'll exchange all of my documents for the World Cup."

It is not the first time this tournament that thieves have targeted players in Durban - three Greece players also suffered a theft of cash from their hotel rooms just outside the city.

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Sepp Blatter may be a household name now in South Africa but the same cannot be said of IOC president Jacques Rogge.

A press statement released by the South African president's office said: "Jacob Zuma will meet International Olympic Committee president Jacques Roggers tomorrow."

(reopens)

Former England captain David Beckham has revealed he will be backing Spain in the World Cup final.

Influenced by the time he spent in the country's capital as a Real Madrid player, from 2003 to 2007, Beckham is backing Spain to win a close contest.

Writing in his official Yahoo! column, Beckham declared: "It's shaping up to be a great match and it might be that little bit of luck that helps decide the eventual winner.

"I would like to see Spain win as I have many happy memories from living there and I know how important it would be for the country.

"I have many friends there who would love to bring home the trophy to Spain for the first time. My boys have also asked for Spain shirts to watch the final so I know who they will be supporting.

"For many years, they have underperformed in World Cups considering their level of talent but this team has the look of winners but it will be close."