Yakin Fumes Over VAR Decision After Embolo Dismissal
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has hit out at the VAR protocol that led to Breel Embolo's dismissal, calling it 'unacceptable' after Argentina eliminated his side 3-1 in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, July 11. The match turned on a pivotal moment in the 72nd minute, when Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation. Referee Joao Pinheiro issued the red card after a lengthy VAR review overturned an initial booking against Argentina's Leandro Paredes and redirected the punishment at the Swiss striker.
Timing of Red Card Crushes Swiss Momentum
According to Sky Sports, the incident initially drew a booking against Argentina's Leandro Paredes, but a VAR review changed the decision. The red card arrived just five minutes after Dan Ndoye had drawn Switzerland level, cancelling out Alexis Mac Allister's early opener at a point when the Swiss appeared to be gaining control of the game. Yakin was visibly frustrated in his post-match assessment, as reported by Reuters.
'There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue,' Yakin said. The Swiss coach went further, questioning the very basis of the ruling. '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.'
Switzerland's Resilience Falls Short
Reduced to ten men, Switzerland showed considerable resilience, holding out until the 112th minute before Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock with a superb long-range effort that found the top corner. Lautaro Martinez then wrapped up the victory nine minutes later to complete a 3-1 scoreline. The defeat brought to a close Switzerland's first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1954. The Swiss had come within a single victory of reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history, making the manner of the defeat all the more bitter for Yakin and his squad.
Argentina Advances to Semi-Finals
Argentina, meanwhile, march on to the semi-finals, where they will face England as they continue their pursuit of the World Cup title. Earlier, football predictor Amadu Raheem Komba Gbandeh, renowned for his accuracy, had forecasted Argentina's clash with Switzerland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. As Argentina grapples with inconsistent performances, the stakes rose dramatically with Switzerland eager to upset the defending champions.
