Nestor Pitana to referee World Cup final between France and Croatia

Nestor Pitana will referee the World Cup final between France and Croatia on Sunday 15 July, Fifa have confirmed.

The PE teacher and FIFA referee since 2010 was one of the officials at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 and has wide experience in the Argentinian Super Clásicos, Copa Libertadores and World Cup qualifiers.

Pitana was widely reckoned to be the favourite to take charge of the blue riband clash, having had a decent performance in the quarter-final between Uruguay and France, notable particularly due to the intense Uruguayan pressure prior to the game. Pitana also did well in the Croatia - Denmark match in the round of 16.

The 43 year old has been a referee since 2006, and is one of the most highly rated officials in Argentina and South American football.

 Pitana, in an interview with Fifa, said "For any kid who loves football, the dream is to get to the World Cup final."