Soccer: Carlos ready to take a dive for Brazil

Brazil's Roberto Carlos would not hesitate to take a dive in the penalty area to save a World Cup soccer match, even if it meant being booked or sent off.

"Imagine, if we are losing 1-0 in the 90th minute and somebody nudges me in the area - of course I'm going to fall over and get a penalty to level the game," the Real Madrid fullback told reporters.

"It could well be the most important game of my life."

Roberto Carlos said he was not worried about a FIFA clampdown on diving and play-acting and said he was prepared to face the consequences.

He described Brazilian players' ability to win penalties as "cunning" and said it was part of the four times world champions' game.

"In football, you have to use a bit of cunning. Brazilian footballers are cunning, this is why we have four stars on the chest," he said, referring to the four stars on the Brazil badge, each representing a world title.

- REUTERS

More Soccer World Cup stories

Team lists | Schedule | Previous Winners

Interactive graphics:
Draws and team profiles