KANSAS CITY — Switzerland blasted the controversial sending-off of Breel Embolo after its 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals, claiming a VAR intervention fundamentally changed the match.Embolo was shown a second yellow card in the 67th minute after video review overturned an initial booking given to Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.The incident occurred moments after Dan Ndoye had equalized for Switzerland. Referee João Pinheiro originally cautioned Paredes for a challenge on Embolo, but VAR intervened under FIFA’s “mistaken identity” protocol after replays showed Embolo had gone to ground before contact was made. The yellow card was instead issued to Embolo for simulation.Already carrying a booking, the Swiss striker was sent off, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of regulation and extra time with 10 men.Despite the numerical disadvantage, Switzerland held on until the 112th minute before Julián Álvarez’s long-range strike and a late Lautaro Martínez goal secured Argentina’s place in the semifinals.Swiss coach Murat Yakin strongly criticized the decision after the match.”We were punished because of a rule that, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable,” Yakin said. “The referee made the wrong decision. This rule destroyed our game today, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot.”Captain Granit Xhaka also believed the dismissal proved decisive.”I think the red card changed our game,” Xhaka said. “This decision was difficult to accept because the dressing room was very quiet and disappointed.”Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the dismissal worked in his team’s favor.”Luck was on our side because one of their players was sent off,” Scaloni said.The incident is likely to add to ongoing debate surrounding officiating at the tournament. Earlier this week, Egypt formally complained to FIFA following its Round of 16 defeat to Argentina, alleging biased officiating after a series of controversial decisions.FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has rejected suggestions that match officials have favored any team, saying the integrity of referees “cannot be questioned” and warning that such accusations could expose officials and their families to abuse and threats.Switzerland’s World Cup campaign ended in its first quarterfinal appearance since 1954, while defending champion Argentina advanced to face England in the semifinals.KANSAS CITY — Switzerland blasted the controversial sending-off of Breel Embolo after its 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals, claiming a VAR intervention fundamentally changed the match.Embolo was shown a second yellow card in the 67th minute after video review overturned an initial booking given to Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.The incident occurred moments after Dan Ndoye had equalized for Switzerland. Referee João Pinheiro originally cautioned Paredes for a challenge on Embolo, but VAR intervened under FIFA’s “mistaken identity” protocol after replays showed Embolo had gone to ground before contact was made. The yellow card was instead issued to Embolo for simulation.Already carrying a booking, the Swiss striker was sent off, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of regulation and extra time with 10 men.Despite the numerical disadvantage, Switzerland held on until the 112th minute before Julián Álvarez’s long-range strike and a late Lautaro Martínez goal secured Argentina’s place in the semifinals.Swiss coach Murat Yakin strongly criticized the decision after the match.”We were punished because of a rule that, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable,” Yakin said. “The referee made the wrong decision. This rule destroyed our game today, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot.”Captain Granit Xhaka also believed the dismissal proved decisive.”I think the red card changed our game,” Xhaka said. “This decision was difficult to accept because the dressing room was very quiet and disappointed.”Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the dismissal worked in his team’s favor.”Luck was on our side because one of their players was sent off,” Scaloni said.The incident is likely to add to ongoing debate surrounding officiating at the tournament. Earlier this week, Egypt formally complained to FIFA following its Round of 16 defeat to Argentina, alleging biased officiating after a series of controversial decisions.FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has rejected suggestions that match officials have favored any team, saying the integrity of referees “cannot be questioned” and warning that such accusations could expose officials and their families to abuse and threats.Switzerland’s World Cup campaign ended in its first quarterfinal appearance since 1954, while defending champion Argentina advanced to face England in the semifinals.
