SALVADOR, Brazil - Costa Rica issued a plea Friday to the referee to keep an eye on Arjen Robben's diving.
The Netherlands forward earned an injury-time penalty in the second round of the World Cup, giving his team a 2-1 win against Mexico. Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto is worried about more of the same when his team faces the Dutch in the quarterfinals today in Salvador.
"FIFA and referees, please watch out. That could be a crucial factor in the match," Pinto said. "This is very important, Robben's diving. ... That makes us worry a lot."
Throughout his career, the 30-year-old Robben has had a reputation for frequently falling and looking for a penalty or free kick. The Bayern Munich forward went down theatrically under a soft challenge late in the match against Mexico, but said the penalty was legitimate. He also said he dived in the first half.
"Robben is a great player, but he has this nasty reputation of frequently diving on the pitch," Pinto said, adding the Netherlands winger should be given a yellow card by referee Irmatov Ravshan if he dives.
"Well, that might be a logical solution," Pinto said. "He would start thinking about making another dive as he as he could leave the pitch with two yellow cards."
Costa Rica is one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup. The Central American team finished first in Group D, beating former champions Uruguay and Italy and holding England to a scoreless draw.
Costa Rica then reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time by beating Greece on penalties in the second round.
"We want to keep writing history," Costa Rica midfielder Johnny Acosta said. "In 90 or 120 minutes, we will see which is the better team."