Sports News of Sunday, 6 July 2014

Source: goal.com

Robben hits out at diving critics

Netherlands attacker Arjen Robben says he is fed up of being criticised following his admission that he dived during the 2-1 World Cup win over Mexico.

The Dutchman has long been dogged by criticism that he goes down too easily throughout his career and won a penalty late on against el Tri to send his side through to the quarter-finals.

In the wake of the 2-1 victory, he conceded that he had taken a dive earlier in the game but says he is sick of being hounded by detractors, insisting he is fouled often.

"In recent days there has been a lot of talk about diving and actually I'm tired of this bull****," he told NOS.

"I get kicked from all sides, but luckily I am still fit. I felt that I could make the difference, but didn't get the ball enough."

Tim Krul came on in the dying stages of extra time in Netherlands' quarter-final win over Costa Rica and saved two penalties in the shoot-out and Robben believes his side's team spirit shone through.

"I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but I felt I was so good.

"[In the dressing room] it was a party, we were so good with the penalties too, compliments to Tim. It shows we do it all together."

Netherlands continue their quest to reach a second-straight World Cup final with a clash against Argentina on Wednesday.