Football
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Pinto 'worried' about Robben diving

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto says he is "really worried" about Arjen Robben's diving and has pleaded with officials to be vigilant during the World Cup quarterfinal against Netherlands.

- McIntyre: Pinto has Ticos primed for the Netherlands

Los Ticos have been the surprise package in Brazil, overcoming Uruguay and Italy before holding England to a draw as they won Group D.

That dream run continued in Recife on Sunday as they rode their luck against Greece to win a tense clash on penalties, setting up a quarterfinal against Netherlands.

The Oranje produced a remarkable late comeback to deny Mexico in their round-of-16 encounter, after which Robben made headlines by admitting he dived in the match.

The winger was insistent he had not taken a tumble for the penalty from which Klaas-Jan Huntelaar struck the winner, but his dive has concerned Pinto.

"This is one of the most important questions I have been asked in this World Cup,'' Pinto said. "Diving. This is something that makes us worry a lot. We're really worried about that.

"I would like to ask FIFA and the referees to watch Robben closely. We're really worried about his diving. He has admitted doing it.

"I hope the referee watches him very closely tomorrow. I would like FIFA and the referee to watch out because it is very important and can have a huge influence on the result.''

Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan will be taking charge of the match and Pinto hopes he is brave enough to book Robben should he dive.

"That may be the most logical solution,'' he said. "Maybe he would have to leave the field because he gets two yellow cards for diving.

"Why not? That could happen. I want to trust the referees. Let's see what happens.''

Robben will play a key role for Netherlands in Salvador, where Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz hopes his side can extend their record-breaking run.

"Maybe in a few months this will all sink in, but for right now we're just trying to enjoy what we're living,'' he said. "We have nothing to lose.

"We've come so far and done so much, but we want more. We want to continue on and see how far this can go.''

For Ruiz, this is a particularly special match considering he is playing against the country where he has spent so much of his professional career.

The 28-year-old made his name with Twente, playing there between 2009 and 2011, before moving to Fulham.

Ruiz returned to the Netherlands earlier this year after falling out of favour at Craven Cottage, impressing during a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven.

"It's nice to play against a team like Netherlands, but it's difficult too,'' he told FIFA's official website.

"I have so many friends in Netherlands. The place was my home for years and I care about its people. But for us it is a dream to play in the quarterfinals.

"We know we're doing something so big for the people back home, but maybe we don't realise the extent of how big just yet.''

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