The Rational RefThe World Cup also represents the pinnacle of match officials' careers
International teams of referees will be competing against one another for the honour of controlling the final
Referees get excited about the World Cup just like other fans, although in addition to scrutinising players and teams they also tend closely to watch the performances of match officials. Here are some expected scenarios.
It is likely England and Manchester United player Wayne Rooney will be cautioned for his incessant foul-mouthed exchanges with referees. Rooney and others may get away with swearing at officials in the English Premier League, but at the World Cup players will come across many who may not so easily turn a deaf ear.
Fifa has appointed 25 experienced referee teams, with eight on standby, from 43 countries. Europe provides nine of the 25 officiating teams, South America has five and Asia four. The North and Central American and the Caribbean zone has three along with Africa and Oceania zones, each of which has one.
All eyes will be on the opening match between Brazil and Croatia because it is here that Busacca's officiating standards will be revealed and set the tone for the remainder of the tournament
According to Fifa, "referees were selected on their personality and their quality in football understanding by being able to read the game and the teams' tactical approaches towards each game." They will have done their homework on the players, coaches and team tactics.
They cannot afford not to, since just one crucial or controversial mistake will mean an early flight home. Fifa's head of refereeing, Swiss former World Cup ref Massimo Busacca, knows this only too well because at the last World Cup he messed things up in his first match between hosts South Africa and Uruguay and was not considered again.
Match officials cannot use retrospective video technology, but will be using various technological aids. They already use bleeper flags and secure radio links to communicate. There will also be the first use of vanishing spray during free-kick situations to help referees strictly manage the distance between the ball and the defensive wall. Goal-line technology will be used for the first time.
Diving will be harshly dealt with. Match officials will be on the lookout for players who try to deceive them. Uruguay and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will probably not be booked for diving, but instead for his constant niggling, hounding and taunting of defenders.