Costa Ricans say ref must not fall for Dutch diving

COSTA RICA coach Jorge Luis Pinto has called on FIFA to clamp down on Arjen Robben’s diving.

Pinto and his team face Robben and Holland in the last of the World Cup quarter-finals at Arena Fonte Nova tonight knowing that they need another incredible performance to get through.

But Pinto turned up the temperature last night when asked about Robben and his tendency to go down easily.

‘This is one of the most important questions I have been asked in this World Cup,’ he 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.’

Robben was heavily criticised after winning a penalty in Holland’s last game against Mexico. After that game he admitted diving to win a freekick earlier in the game.

‘He has admitted doing it,’ added Pinto. ‘I hope the referee watches him very closely.

‘I would like FIFA and the referee to watch out because it is very important and can have a huge influence on the result.’

Tonight’s r eferee is Ravshan Irmatov from Uzbekistan and Pinto believes he should book Robben if he catches him cheating. ‘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.’

Meanwhile Pinto, who attended the University of Cologne, believes Costa Rica’s graduation to the elite bracket of world football has been boosted by further education.

He thinks players who study are better equipped to soak up tactical strategies.

‘You play better, learn faster, handle tactics better and have a personality which is easily developed,’ said Pinto (above), and his players are buying into the idea.

‘In football it is not just your feet, you have to think in moments of pressure,’ said winger Christian Bolanos. ‘It is important to be educated, to have a good mental strength if you face difficult challenges. The coach has his details which are very strict, the time to work and time to defend.’

Luis Gabelo Conejo, Costa Rica’s goalkeeper at Italia 90 who is now on Pinto’s coaching staff, claims many of the squad were involved with further education courses in their spare time.

‘Ninety-five per cent of them are studying at university,’ said Conejo. ‘Education is a fundamental aspect in the development of a footballer.’