HOLLAND coach Bert van Marwijk was critical of English referee Howard Webb after Spain triumphed 1-0 in extra-time in the World Cup final.

Webb brandished 14 yellow cards, two of which led to a red for Holland’s Everton defender John Heitinga – setting a record for a final – in a fiery encounter that saw Andres Iniesta’s late goal separate the sides.

Van Marwijk also suggested that Webb might have been influenced by Spanish media blaming him for Spain’s defeat by Switzerland in their opening match.

The Holland coach said: “I don’t think the referee controlled the match well. But let me be clear about this: the best team won the match.

“I’m trying to analyse the match as best as possible. But I read a few things today about how angry Spain were at the refereeing in the first match against Switzerland. If you view the performance (of the referee) today, you’d almost think now that that first match had an influence on this game now.”

Van Marwijk admitted that some fouls had been “terrible” but said both sides were responsible, though challenges by Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel were particularly X-rated. He added: “It’s not our style. It’s not our kind of football.”