Spanish media rue Webb appointment

Webb will referee the final (GETTY IMAGES)

Howard Webb's appointment as referee for the World Cup final has been greeted with dismay by the Spanish press.

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]."