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Costa Rica: Look out for diving Robben

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto said the referee should consider sending off Holland's self-confessed diver Arjen Robben if he catches him cheating in their quarter-final tomorrow morning (Singapore time).

Pinto said that he was "really worried about Robben diving" and he urged Uzbek official Ravshan Irmatov not to be afraid to give him two yellow cards for simulation if necessary.

His comments come after Robben won a match-deciding penalty in Holland's last-16 2-1 win over Mexico and then admitted to diving earlier in the game.

"This is one of the most important questions I have been asked. In this World Cup diving is something that has us worried," Pinto told journalists in Salvador. "We're really worried about it. I would like to ask Fifa and the referees to watch Robben closely.

"I think Robben is one of three or four top players in the world. But, on the other hand, there have been refereeing mistakes and the referees need to watch out."

Robben, 30, went unpunished by Fifa but his comments prompted much condemnation and debate.

He has scored three goals in the World Cup and will lead the attack tomorrow morning.

"He admitted that he dived, so I hope the next referee and assistant referees are very careful tomorrow," Pinto said.

"Because this is very, very important and it could have an impact on the result."

Asked whether Irmatov, 36, should book Robben early if he suspects him of diving, Pinto said: "Well that might be the most logical solution.

"Maybe he would have to leave the field because he gets two yellow cards for diving. That could happen. But I want to trust the referees - let's see what they do tomorrow." - AFP.

World Cup