Blatter says Webb had hard task in World Cup final

FIFA president Sepp Blatter says under-fire English referee Howard Webb had a very hard task in Sunday night's fiery World Cup final in South Africa.



Webb produced a record 14 yellow cards plus a red in the final between Spain and Holland but Dutch players have claimed he favoured the Spanish.



Other critics have suggested Webb should have been even tougher and sent off Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel rather than just booking them.



Blatter said the final was not exactly what he expected in terms of fair play.



Blatter refused to comment on the rugged approach by Holland, who eventually lost 1-0 in extra time, but did say the side that played football won.



Blatter did praise Spain for playing good football and gave South Africa nine out of 10 for their organisation of the finals.



The FIFA president apologised to England and Mexico for refereeing mistakes earlier on in the tournament.