Switzerland were left fuming after forward Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half of Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final following a VAR review that deemed him guilty of simulation, a decision that proved pivotal in their 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina.
The controversial incident unfolded with the score tied 1-1. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a tackle on Embolo, but video review revealed that the Swiss striker was already falling before contact was made. Because Embolo had received a yellow card earlier in the match, the punishment was upgraded to a second yellow — and subsequently a red — leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the game with only 10 men.
The red card came at a devastating moment for Switzerland. Dan Ndoye had just scored the equaliser moments earlier, swinging momentum firmly in their favor. Coach Murat Yakin was preparing to introduce fresh attacking players to press for a winner when the decision turned the tide.
The incident marks the second time a yellow card has been overturned using the “mistaken identity” protocol at this World Cup. The rule permits VAR intervention when an incorrect player is shown a yellow or red card.
Embolo now joins an unwanted list of World Cup infamy. He is only the fourth player in the past 60 years to receive a second yellow card for simulation at the tournament, following Mexico’s Luis Pérez (2006 vs. Portugal), Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan (2006 vs. Brazil), and Italy’s Francesco Totti (2002 vs. South Korea).
