Arjen Robben apologizes for diving in Netherlands win over Mexico
By Josh Sanchez
At the end of the Round of 16 match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup between the Netherlands and Mexico, Dutch star Arjen Robben drew a foul that resulted in a yellow card for El Tri captain Rafael Marquez and set up the game-winning penalty kick for the Netherlands.
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Many believe that it was a dive from Robben to set up the penalty kick, and his comments following the game will likely not sit well with El Tri fans.
During the post-game press conference, Robben apologized for diving during the match.
Robben claims that the foul at the end of the game was a legitimate foul, but he does admit to diving at the end of the first half in an effort to draw a foul.
As one of the top players in the world, Arjen should be better than that in his eyes.
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“I must apologize,” Robben told NOS, via Goal.com. “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 explained why it was Huntelaar that took the penalty for the Dutch and not himself.
“Usually I am comfortable with taking a penalty, but this time I was the one who was tackled,” Robben said. “I felt comfortable that Huntelaar would capitalize. 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.”
Netherlands will now face off against the winner of the Costa Rica – Greece match in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
Be sure to stay tuned to FanSided.com throughout the next few weeks for the latest news and results from the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.