BERLIN, June 7: Juergen Klinsmann, the 1990 Germany World Cup winner famous for his diving skills, said Friday that a decisive penalty kick awarded to England in their 1-0 win over Argentina had been undeserved.

Klinsmann, a commentator for Germany’s ZDF television, said England striker Michael Owen had fooled referee Pierluigi Collina by falling after brushing past Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino in the 44th minute, setting up a penalty scored by captain David Beckham.

“I don’t think he touched him,” said Klinsmann, who retired in 1998.

“I don’t think it was a penalty. But it doesn’t matter. England deserved to win. They had the better scoring chances. There was enormous pressure on them. Congratulations to David Beckham for holding his nerve.”

Klinsmann, who scored 47 goals in 108 internationals, helped Germany win the 1990 World Cup in Italy and the 1996 European championships in England. He was English footballer of the year in 1994-95 after scoring 29 cup and league goals.

Famous himself for diving, he managed to disarm critics in England for falling too easily during the 1994 World Cup by starting his first news conference in London without waiting for the first question from reporters.

“Maybe I can ask you the first question. Are there any diving schools in London?”

After the laughter had subsided, he become one of the most popular players that season and was lauded everywhere he played with huge crowds all over the country appreciative of his skills and his sense of fair play.

On Friday, Klinsmann said England’s victory over Argentina should raise their chances in the tournament.

“I believe England should now be counted among the favourites,” he said.—Reuters