For players, the chance to participate in a World Cup final is the pinnacle of their career and the same is true for referees and other officials in such tournaments.
Polish official Syzmon Marciniak will take charge of the final following strong performances in officiating France vs Denmark in the group stage as well as Argentina vs Australia in the last-16. Having experience refereeing both teams left in the tournament means that he is well placed to officiate the final match.
Marciniak was considered the favourite to be given the nod for the final. Also in the running were Mexican referee Cesar Ramos and the American Ismael Elfath, with the latter available after the country of his birth, Morocco were knocked out. The former, meanwhile, may not be considered due to having Spanish as his first language which would make it easier to communicate with the Argentina players.
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Legendary referee Pierluigi Collina decided that Marciniak is on duty for the final, with the iconic Italian official leading the cohort of referees on behalf of FIFA for the tournament.
The controversial Brazilian Walter Sampaio remains at the tournament having been heavily criticised by English players in the wake of the Three Lions' exit at the hands of France on Saturday night, this is despite awarding two penalties to England. He could have been in line to officiate, but his allegiance to Argentina's historic rivals Brazil stood in his way.
English referees Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver have both been in Qatar but are not in the running to officiate the final, with Oliver having been sent home after taking charge of Brazil's quarter final defeat to Croatia. Twelve years ago English official Howard Webb was lauded as he officiated the final before enduring a nightmare evening as Spain and the Netherlands were given 14 yellow cards between them by the Rotherham police sergeant.
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