Former Germany international Oliver Kahn has defended Arjen Robben for admitting that he dived against Mexico.

The winger was criticised for his part in winning the match-clinching penalty in the Netherlands' 2-1 victory in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Following the match, Robben admitted that he had dived earlier in the contest, but will not face action from FIFA.

"A world-class attacker like Robben takes advantage of a situation like that," Kahn told ZDF.

"If you are offered a chance like that, you can only be grateful and take it. An experienced attacker will not pass up on an opportunity like this. They are always looking for situations like this."

Kahn was named as the best player of the 2002 World Cup, where he helped Germany to reach the final.