JOIN USDutch forward Arjen Robben is at the height of his game and would be a nightmare for any team at the World Cup, Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto said on Thursday ahead of his side's quarterfinal against the Netherlands.
"He's a model winger for anyone who wants to learn how to play soccer," Pinto said at Costa Rica's training camp. "He's at the peak of his career, he's a nightmare for any team."
The 30-year-old has been one of the players of the tournament in Brazil, scoring three goals and terrorising defences with his quick, weaving runs and close control.
"Of course the Dutch team helps him, but if you see the way he attacks and the goals he's scored you can say without any doubt that he's one of the three or four players in the World Cup," Pinto said. The Dutch were trailing 1-0 to Mexico before their two late goals. Pinto said he felt the Mexicans had retreated too early in the match and tried to hold on to their one-goal lead.
"I feel that Mexico sat back a lot," he said. "Chile were more aggressive (in their 2-0 first round loss to the Netherlands) but they left a lot of space, and the Dutch when they have space are very dangerous."