WHEN Brazil lined up against Germany at this year's World Cup final most English thoughts were of what might have been for the national team.

But for St Albans resident Philip Sharp there was something more pressing in hand namely his assistant referee's flag.

Being chosen to run the line at world football's biggest occasion is not something that happens every day but for the 38-year-old Cottonmill Lane resident it was just another job, albeit an important one.

"It was a huge, huge honour and it made me feel very humble as well as proud," said Philip.

For most people the thought of officiating at such a momentous match would surely lead to nervous paroxysms but not for Philip.

"I don't get nervous," he said.

"You have to approach it professionally and think positively.

"My philosophy is: 'I've got a big game, I'm going to go out there and do it'."

When he first flew out to Japan, Philip thought there was no chance of being chosen for the final because another English assistant referee, Mark Warren, had done it four years ago.

"I felt relaxed about being there and FIFA had prepared everybody really well. I just thought to myself there's no way I'll be doing the final so I didn't even think about it."

But as the tournament progressed and it was announced that the referees for the final would be chosen according to their performances, Philip began to think he would be in with a chance.

He had done well in his earlier matches during the group stages and had put in a good display in Germany's quarter final against the USA which put him in the frame for the final.

The call came on Thursday and Philip admitted to feeling a surge of pride before the ingrained professionalism kicked back in.

"Initially it was quite humbling to think I was the only assistant referee at the World Cup from the whole of the UK but then to get the final was obviously pretty amazing."

Refereeing the game was the famous Italian official Pierluigi Collina, known as much for his bald pate and glaring eyes as his skill with the whistle.

But Philip has nothing but the greatest of respect for the world's best-known referee.

"He's genuinely one of the nicest men I know," said Philip.

"People tend to only see the book cover with Pierluigi and not what's on the inside."

Their friendship obviously paid off because together with Sweden's Leif Lindberg and Scotland's Hugh Dallas who acted as the fourth official, the four ensured the game flowed well and passed without any controversy.

A St Albans resident for the past eight years Philip's association with the city is shortly to come to an end but, he says, not without sadness.

"This is where I prepared for the World Cup and I've spent eight happy years here.

"I think people here often don't appreciate what's on their doorstep.

"There are wonderful free amenities like Verulamium Park and so much history it's a really special place."

With his wife Debbie expecting their first child they have decided to move to Tring to be nearer her parents but for Philip, the biggest achievement of his life will always be associated with St Albans.

As for Germany 2006, Philip is confident England's improving side can improve on their showing this time around: "Sven has built the nucleus of the side up. Maybe this World Cup was less about winning than gaining experience," he says. One thing is for certain, if England do make the final four years down the track, Philip won't be running the line.

"FIFA say that you can only do the final once so that's that," he said.

But with the memories of Yokohama still burning brightly, Philip Sharp is not too bothered.

July 4, 2002 09:30