Netherlands midfielder Arjen Robben has apologised for diving during his side's dramatic late victory against Mexico in Fortaleza.

The 30-year-old had several appeals for a spot kick turned down in the World Cup last-16 clash, before finally being awarded a penalty in injury time which was successfully converted by substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Robben insists that the referee got the decision correct, but admits that he went to ground too easily on one occasion in the first half.

"I have to be honest and must apologise," he is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "One of the moments in the first half was a dive. Sometimes you get kicked, but that was not the case at that particular moment. I shouldn't have done that and I'm really upset with myself about it. It was a silly action.

"The other one in the first half was a clear penalty. If that's not a spot kick, then what is? The one at the end was a just penalty call as well."

The Bayern Munich player has won five penalties in 14 Champions League and World Cup games this season.

Written by
Daniel Lewis