Here is the latest update from the ongoing FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-12 11:29:00.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Switzerland faced significant disappointment on Saturday as forward Breel Embolo received a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal, following a controversial VAR review. This decision came after Switzerland’s 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina.
Initially, Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was issued a yellow card for a tackle. However, video review showed that Embolo fell before any contact was made, resulting in the ref overturning the call. As Embolo had already been booked earlier in the match, he was sent off, leaving Switzerland with only ten players for the remainder of the game, which had been tied at 1-1.
“I just don’t understand how VAR can make that kind of decision,” Swiss defender Nico Elvedi remarked post-match. The turning point came just moments after Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye equalized, shifting momentum firmly in their favor.
Switzerland’s head coach, Murat Yakin, expressed frustration, saying, “We were dominant. We controlled the game. But the red card, we are punished because of a rule that is, to me, absolutely incomprehensible. Of course it hurts enormously that we were eliminated in this way. We didn’t deserve that today.”
This incident marked the second time in World Cup history that a yellow card was reversed due to “mistaken identity.” Such a review is permitted when an incorrect player is shown a card, and in this case, it altered the game significantly.
Yakin added, “For a situation where beforehand there should have been yellow cards several times, they protect their referee over a rule that destroyed our game today.” The coach believed that Paredes shouldn’t have received a yellow card at all, criticizing the decision-making behind the review.
Embolo, visibly upset after the decision, was supported by his teammates on the sidelines. “You can imagine how Breel feels,” said Yakin. “He had been attacked several times beforehand. To blame him now is absolutely absurd.”
The match concluded with late goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, confirming Argentina’s advancement. Swiss captain Granit Xhaka called the red card a game-changer, expressing disbelief over the decision that led to Switzerland’s early exit.
FAQs
What caused Breel Embolo’s red card?
Embolo was sent off after a VAR review deemed he simulated a foul, despite being tackled by Leandro Paredes.
How did this affect Switzerland’s performance?
The red card forced Switzerland to play with ten players, changing the momentum of the match and contributing to their eventual loss.
Quick Facts
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- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-12 11:29:00
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Tags: #Switzerland #furious #Embolo #red #card #diving #VAR #review
Tags: #Switzerland #furious #Embolo #red #card #diving #VAR #review
