Switzerland’s dream FIFA World Cup campaign, under Murat Yakin, ended in a chaotic quarter-final against Argentina, who sealed a 3-1 victory in extra time. The Swiss fought back after conceding an early goal, but things took a dramatic turn moments after Dan Ndoye’s equaliser midway through the second half. Breel Embolo was dismissed for simulating a foul, leaving his team with ten men. The on-field referee was awarded a free-kick to Switzerland, but later the VAR overturned his decision, removing Leandro Paredes’ yellow card and instead giving Embolo, who was already booked, a marching order.
Despite having one man down, Switzerland forced extra time, but Argentina ultimately had the last laugh. After the thrilling contest, Yakin raised questions about the VAR review of Embolo’s red card.
What did Murat Yakin say about VAR call on Embolo’s red card?
The Switzerland manager said, “There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let the play continue.”
“We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don’t understand it. The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful. It’s a rule that has nothing to do with football. It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way,” he added.
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How did Embolo’s sent-off influence the quarter-final result?
Switzerland held out until the 112th minute, when Julian Alvarez whipped a superb long-range shot into the top corner, before Lautaro Martinez added Argentina’s third nine minutes later.
The defeat ended Switzerland’s first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1954 and left them one victory short of reaching the last four for the first time.
Yakin said the dismissal had transformed a match his side had begun to control after recovering from Mac Allister’s 10th-minute opener.
“I would like to praise the entire team because we came back from a goal down against the world champions and we had the momentum,” he said.
“We were dominating and controlling the match, and then we were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don’t understand it. My boys are the real heroes.”
Midfielder Remo Freuler also questioned the intervention and called on FIFA to explain the decision.
“I’m very proud of the team. You could tell that we gave 100%,” Freuler said. “I don’t understand how VAR can make such a decision, and FIFA has to explain it to us.”
Embolo collapsed in tears after the red card and was consoled by his teammates before leaving the pitch. Yakin said the striker was devastated. “He was fouled many times, and he had a few very good moments in this game, but then he couldn’t help the team any more,” Yakin said.
“I don’t blame him. Obviously, he is shattered because he could not help the team. It was a refereeing mistake.” Yakin said he was proud of Switzerland’s performance not only against Argentina but throughout a tournament in which they had gone further than any Swiss side in more than seven decades.
(With inputs from Reuters)
