rediff.com
News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Rediff.com  » Sports » World Cup Quote Hanger: 'Three times he (Robben) dived'
This article was first published 10 years ago

World Cup Quote Hanger: 'Three times he (Robben) dived'

June 30, 2014 12:14 IST

Image: Arjen Robben of the Netherlands reacts after being fouled
Photographs: Murad Sezer/Reuters

"Three times he dived," he said. "We'd done really well but then we sit back and we start to give chances to a team that hadn't done anything."

- PHOTOS: Dutch leave it late to beat gritty Mexicans

Arjen Robben had two earlier appeals for penalties turned down, and Mexico coach Miguel Herrera accused the Dutchman of diving.

Complete coverage of the Football World Cup...

- ...

'We have a modest group of players but they have outstanding team spirit'

Image: Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, centre, speaks to his players during a cooling break
Photographs: Mike Blake/Reuters

“We have a modest group of players but they have outstanding team spirit and this is ultimately what led to the victory.”

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal admitted it was a lucky escape for his side as they edged past Mexico but gave himself and his players a pat on the back for preparation and tactical switches.

- ...

'I dreamed it but I didn't tell anyone'

Image: Keylor Navas, left, and Michael Umana of Costa Rica celebrate after defeating Greece in a penalty shootout
Photographs: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

"Last night, I dreamt this," he said in a post match interview. "It seems untrue. I was relaxed because I dreamed it.

"I dreamed it but I didn't tell anyone. I felt very confident."

-PHOTOS: Costa Rica book their maiden quarters berth

For Costa Rica defender Michael Umana it was a case of dreams come true as he stepped up to take the decisive spot kick for his country in a World Cup last-16 penalty shootout with Greece on Sunday.

- ...

'I don't really like talking about luck or lack of luck, Costa Rica won'

Image: Head coach Fernando Santos of Greece gestures
Photographs: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

"I don’t really like talking about luck or lack of luck, Costa Rica won, obviously they were better in what was expected," he said.

"It can go either way, and it went to Costa Rica, they won and they go on. For that they have to be congratulated."

Greece wasted a golden opportunity to beat 10-man Costa Rica in extra time before exiting the World Cup on penalties, coach Fernando Santos said on Sunday.

- ...

'We wanted to stay on another week or even longer'

Image: Giorgos Karagounis of Greece acknowledges the fans after being defeated by Costa Rica in a penalty shootout
Photographs: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

"We wanted to stay on another week or even longer but you can't change it now."

Greece captain Giorgos Karagounis announced his retirement from an international football career spanning 139 caps over 15 years following his team's World Cup round of 16 exit to Costa Rica on penalties on Sunday.