​Nestor Pitana to referee FIFA World Cup Final

Only the second man to take charge of both Opening Match and Final

"I could compare being selected to when I was told that I was going to be a father"

For the second time in the history of the FIFA World Cup™, the same man will have the responsibility – and honour – of refereeing both the Opening Game and the Final. The referee in question is none other than Argentinian Nestor Pitana who, accompanied by Hernan Maidana and Juan Pablo Belatti, will match the feat achieved by his compatriot Horacio Elizondo at Germany 2006.

Just hours after the announcement was made, the 43-year-old and his two assistants spoke exclusively with FIFA.com. They discussed the emotions that they were going through, the challenge awaiting them in Moscow and the preparations required to take on such an important assignment.

FIFA.com: Nestor, congratulations on your appointment. How would you describe this moment?

Nestor Pitana: Very rarely have I experienced anything comparable in my life. That feeling, that excitement. Maybe I could compare it with the moment when I was told that I was going to be a father. In terms of the sacrifice, the responsibility that it involves. For any kid who loves football, the dream is to get to the World Cup Final. This team have worked so hard to get where we are, we’ve managed one of the greatest achievements in the world of refereeing. And now we want to finish the job, in the best way possible.

What is the key to receiving such an honour?

Juan Pablo Belatti: Work and more work. We’ve invested a lot of our time in something we’re passionate about. Hours spent away from our friends and family. We put a lot of energy into it. What we felt when they announced our names, that mixture of emotions coursing through our bodies, only someone who experiences the daily routine of this profession can explain it. We’re very happy and very committed.