IF IT AIN'T DUTCH...It ain't much

That is all I have to say on the entertaining but disappointing World Cup.

Was it a yellow card?

In the World Cup final, Holland's John Heitinga was sent off in the 109th minute, which opened the door for Spain's Andres Iniesta to shoot a pretty goal with four minutes remaining. English head referee Howard Webb issued Heitinga a second yellow card after he touched the shoulder of Andres Iniesta just outside the box. See for yourself:



It looks like Iniesta has the ball played too far ahead of him and he takes a dive. Was it a make up call for de Jong's ugly chest stomp ealier?

There is no lack of self-righteous commentary that the Dutch got what was coming to them for their physical or 'dirty' style of play. Much less noted is the fact that Spain retaliated with dirty tricks of their own -- by diving -- and they did not receive a single booking for it. There was a collective attitude that Holland had no right to tackle Spain, even after van Bronckhorst and Sneijder exhibited some brilliant tackles. No one likes defense.

Holland intelligently understood Spain's weakness. Disrupt their rhythm and they cannot score. Spain is not known for its set pieces or long balls, rather it is their dazzling passing.

FIFA ought to review its policies. Even their best referees are not able to avoid game-changing mistakes.