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World Cup 2014: Netherlands forward Arjen Robben 'tired' of facing criticism following diving admission

The 30-year-old has become frustrated after being subjected to fierce criticism following his confession that he dived against Mexico

Monday 07 July 2014 12:03 BST

Arjen Robben was the star once again in the World Cup quarter-final clash with Costa Rica (Getty Images)

Arjen Robben has hit out at critics who have accused him of diving, claiming he is "tired" of constant discussion about his actions on the pitch.

The Netherlands scraped into the World Cup semi-final after beating Costa Rica 4-3 on penalties following a stalemate in 120 minutes of play, but Robben was once again the centre of attention.

The Bayern Munich winger continued his impressive form, taunting the Costa Rica defence with a series of twists and turns, and came close to scoring on a number of occasions.

However, the 30-year-old - who admitted he dived in the 2-1 win over Mexico in the last-16 clash - came under the spotlight again for his theatrics. But Robben believes that it is unfair to criticise him because he is fouled so often.

Robben goes over the challenge of two Costa Rica defenders (Getty Images)

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

"I get kicked from all sides, but luckily I am still fit."

Robben was one of the star performers in the tie but didn't manage to get on the scoresheet, and the former Chelsea and Real Madrid man believes that he could have had more influence on the game if he was given the ball more.

Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

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1/9Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Netherlands - Goalkeeper

Jasper Cillessen – Showed what an excellent attitude he has when substituted in the very last minute and delivered a decent display beforehand. Had precious little do for most of the game. 7

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Netherlands - Defenders

Ron Vlaar – Should have scored at least twice, with two headed efforts, but remained firm at the back. 7 Stefan De Vrij – After any game which ends nil-nil, the centre-backs are going to receive praise and this tie is no different. Stefan De Vrij was as impressive as ever tonight. 7 Bruno Martins Indi – Perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty in the closing stages of normal time, Bruno Martins Indi was typically sturdy at the back. 7

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Netherlands - Midfielders

Daley Blind – Playing just in front of the backline, rather than in his more familiar position of left-back, Daley Blind struggled to acclimate to his new role. 6.5 Georginio Wijnaldum – Was tested on the counter attack on more than one occasion and proved to be of little obstruction to them. 6 Dirk Kuyt – An ineffective first-half was followed by a hard working second period. Kept running and running. 7 Memphis Depay – While few of the Dutch forays into the Costa Rican half had Memphis Depay at the heart of them, his contribution in the latter stages was invaluable. 7

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Netherlands - Forwards

Wesley Sneijder – The best Dutch player on the pitch. After coming in for some criticism over the previous few weeks, the Galatasaray winger will feel vindicated tonight. His delivery, pace and precision were all spot on. 8 Arjen Robben – Was clearly making a conscious effort to stay on his feet, in response to the controversy of late, and proved to be his usual menacing self. 7.5 Robin van Persie – Could have scored five goals tonight. If Netherlands had fallen to defeat, he would have surely have felt to blame. 6

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Netherlands - Best off the bench

Tim Krul – Justified Louis van Gaal’s daring decision to bring him on in the very last minute of extra-time. Making two vital penalty stops, he won the Dutch the game. 9

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Costa Rica - Goalkeeper

Keylor Navas – One of the true stars of this World Cup, Keylor Navas was on top form again. Despite the one wobble in the second half, and the fact that he didn’t save a single penalty, this was another thoroughly impressive display in normal and extra time. 7.5

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Costa Rica - Defenders

Johnny Acosta – Remained strong, even as the Dutch pressed forwards in the later stages, and refused to be beaten. 7 Giancarlo Gonzalez – A warrior at the heart of the Costa Rican defence, it’s no surprise at all that Netherlands couldn’t break the backline down with Giancarlo in the line-up. Stunning display. 8 Michael Umana – A defensive general, Micheal Umana will be gutted to have missed the all-important spot kick. 7 Junior Diaz – Mightily lucky not to have been sent off, after a series of bookable offences following his initial yellow card, this was an otherwise strong performance. 7 Cristian Gamboa – A player who worried Netherlands when he branched forwards, Cristian Gamboa was just as impressive at the back. 8

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Costa Rica - Midfielders

Celso Borges – Taking the first penalty, and scoring it, this was an efficient display in the middle of the Costa Rican midfield. 7 Christian Bolanos – Worrying the Dutch supporters with his abilities up front, Christian Bolanos also knocked Robin van Persie’s late effort onto the crossbar. Fine display. 7.5 Bryan Luiz – One of the surprises of this tournament, Bryan Luiz didn’t quite live up to his billing tonight. 6.5 Yeltsin Tejeda – Had an important job to do in the middle of the park and did it admirably. 7

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Netherlands 0 Costa Rica 0 (4-3 on penalties) player ratings

Costa Rica - Forwards

Joel Campbell – While he may have impressed beforehand, Joel Campbell achieved very little tonight. While admittedly isolated, he could have done more. 6

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He added: "I felt that I could make the difference, but didn't get the ball enough. I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but I felt I was so good [against Costa Rica].

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