Collina has earnt praise throughout the finals (Allsport)

By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer, Yokohama

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Italian referee Pierluigi Collina will take charge of the World Cup final between Brazil and Germany on Sunday.

Collina was described by David Beckham as the "best referee in the world" before officiating in England's group match against Argentina earlier in the tournament.

The Italian, who also took charge of the second round game between Japan and Turkey, previously refereed the 1999 Champions League final in which Manchester United beat Bayern Munich.

He will be assisted in Sunday's final in Yokohama by England's Philip Sharp and Sweden's Leif Lindberg while Scotland's Hugh Dallas will be the fourth official.

Kuwait's Saad Mane will referee the third-fourth place play-off on Saturday.

UEFA president Lennart Johansson, who is on FIFA's World Cup organising committee, echoed the praise for Collina in agreeing he is "widely regarded as the best referee in the world".

Any concerns over Collina's appearance in an advert for adidas, who sponsor the Germany team, were dismissed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who insisted: "I don't see any conflict of interests."

FIFA have admitted to mistakes by officials, most notably over offside decisions involving linesmen, but they are looking for Collina to ensure a trouble-free climax to the tournament.

Collina admitted it will be a proud moment for him to take charge of the World Cup final.

"I cannot say whether it's a surprise or not but it's a big award for me and I'm very proud to have received it."

Collina is also hoping that some of the dubious refereeing decisions that have overshadowed the tournament will now be forgotten ahead of the big final.

"I would like to think positive," Collina told Sky Sports News. "I would like to think towards my match. That's the main thing."

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has given the thumbs up to Collina after the bald-headed official was appointed to take charge of the final.

In the wake of the constant criticism against refereeing standards at the World Cup, Scolari is delighted that Collina will be the man in the middle for the vital match.

"Wonderful, I considered Collina a great referee. Everyone admires him, the players, the coaches; and the press respect him," said Scolari on learning of the news.

"He is Italian and I will be able to talk his language, the news of his selection is really wonderful."