Darren Cann retired in 2025 after assistant-refereeing 579 Premier League matches.
As part of Howard Webb’s officiating team, he worked at two World Cups: 2014 in Brazil and 2010 in South Africa, where he was chosen for the final.
“It’s the culmination of four years of hard work and sacrifice, and you know you might never experience it again,” said Cann.
Wrong calls become more painful, but correct ones are more euphoric.
In South Africa, Cann officiated Brazil v Chile in the last 16.
The previous day, Jorge Larrionda’s assistant failed to spot that Frank Lampard’s goal had crossed the line in England’s defeat against Germany, and Roberto Rosetti’s assistant had allowed a clearly offside Carlos Tévez goal.
Before kick-off, Fifa chiefs delivered a stern message: “There can be no more mistakes.”
With Brazil leading 1-0, Kaká slipped the ball through to Luís Fabiano, who rounded the goalkeeper and scored.
The Chile defenders appealed for offside, but Cann kept his flag down. Fabiano had been marginally onside.
Cann had tears in his eyes.
“It was one of those beautiful moments where I knew that decision was correct,” said Cann.
Even supposedly routine games place referees under huge strain, according to Slavko Vincic. “There is more emotion, because the national flag is behind it.”
In 2024, the Slovenian took charge of the Champions League final – but nothing compares to his first World Cup match, in 2022: Argentina, the tournament favourites, against Saudi Arabia.
Sensing a historic upset after taking a shock lead early in the second half, the Saudis ran ferociously, cheered every tackle and hounded Vincic.
