Former Chelsea star says sorry.
Netherlands winger Arjen Robben has admitted that he dived during his nation’s 2-1 win over Mexico at the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
Mexico collapsed late on in Fortaleza, conceding an 88th-minute equaliser, before losing the match in stoppage time when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored from the penalty spot after Rafael Marquez had brought down Robben in the box.
Robben says that the game-winning penalty was correctly awarded, but he admits that he dived in an attempt to win a spot-kick in the first half.
The 30-year-old, who has now won five penalties in 14 Champions League and World Cup games this season, apologised for his ungentlemanly act and expressed a willingness to change his behaviour.
According to Goal.com, Robben told NOS: “I must apologise.
“The one [at the end] was a penalty, but the other one was a dive in the first half. I shouldn’t be doing that.”
Robben then went on the explain why he decided against taking the penalty himself.
He added: “Usually I am comfortable with taking a penalty, but this time I was the one who was tackled. I felt comfortable that Huntelaar would capitalise.
“It was his moment, he deserved this. I’m almost crying from the emotions. The feeling is so strong, we want to win this, to fight together. These youngsters … I am so proud.”
The Netherlands will now play either Costa Rica or Greece in the quarter-finals.
Argentina, Switzerland, Belgium and the United States are their potential opponents if they reach the semis.
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