Holland vs Spain – special Webb prices reward quirky bets
Published:As English referee Howard Webb prepares to take charge of the World Cup final, a host of new special prices have been released to mark the occasion.
From the number of cards to be brandished, to the likelihood of managers being sent to the stands, you can bet on numerous Webb-related outcomes when Holland take on Spain.
Another English referee, Graham Poll, infamously gave Croatia’s Josip Simunic three yellow cards before sending him off at the 2006 World Cup, and Webb is 66/1 to make the same mistake in Sunday’s final.
You can also bet on Webb to fall over in active play, which is priced at 10/1.
Vicente Del Bosque and Bert Van Marwijk are two relatively docile characters, but should the tension of a World Cup final prove too much for the Spanish and Dutch coaches, it could be worth betting on a manager to be sent to the stands at 20/1.
Tempers are much more likely to flare on the pitch, where a destructive Dutch central midfield pairing of Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong will be looking to disrupt their opponents.
The antithesis of Holland’s ‘Total Football’ tradition, Van Bommel is 6/1 to receive the final’s first card.
Webb has yet to brandish a red card at the World Cup, but if Van Bommel lives up to his villainous billing, it could be worth backing a player to be sent off at 5/2.
With a reputation for falling theatrically at the mere sight of an opposing defender, Arjen Robben could find himself in the referee’s book, and a player to be booked for simulation is priced at 4/1.
Who will prosper under Webb’s watch? Holland are 5/2 to win. See the full Holland vs Spain market.
