The most recognisable - and more importantly the most respected - referee in world football takes charge of the England v Argentina clash in Sapporo today.

 

Pierluigi Collina, the 42-year-old Bologna-born official wth the bald head and commanding presence, has been selected to referee a match which usualy produces some degree of controversy.

Apart from being fluent in the languages of both participating teams, Collina also commands respect for his performances, and many of the England players will remember him from their Euro 2000 win over Germany in Charleroi and against the same team on a certain night in Munich in September.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is also comfortable with the choice of official for such an important game.

"Collina is a guarantee," he said. "He is one of the best in the world which is why he has got this match."

Collina himself has spoken about his approach to officiating which should serve him well in the atmosphere likely to be created in the inddor arena of the Sapporo Dome.

"All games are difficult and yet at the same time, all games are easy," he said.

"I think every referee has to approach each game with maximum concentration. It's like a player. If a player is not convinced of the importance of the match the surely he will lose the match.

"So it is the same for the referee. The concentration needs to be at the maximum level in every match."