Breel Embolo’s FIFA World Cup campaign came to an abrupt end after the Switzerland striker was sent off for simulation during his side’s quarter-final against Argentina on Saturday. Embolo was left ruing a costly dive after receiving a second yellow card following a VAR review.
The striker, who had already been booked late in the first half, was initially awarded a free-kick by referee Joao Pinheiro, who cautioned Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. However, after reviewing the incident on the pitch side monitor, the referee overturned his decision, withdrew Paredes’ booking and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation.
The dismissal came with the score locked at 1-1 and 18 minutes remaining, leaving Switzerland to play the closing stages with 10 men against the defending world champions.
It was a dramatic twist in a contest that had swung in Switzerland’s favour only moments earlier. Dan Ndoye had levelled the scores with a composed finish from a tight angle after exchanging passes with Ricardo Rodriguez, cancelling out Alexis Mac Allister’s first-half opener, which had come from a Lionel Messi corner.
Just minutes after the equaliser, Embolo chased a loose ball inside the Argentina half with Leandro Paredes tracking back. Pinheiro initially penalised the Argentina midfielder and produced a yellow card, but the incident was referred for an on-field review.
After watching the replay on the pitchside monitor, the referee overturned his decision. The footage showed there had been no contact from Paredes, with Embolo appearing to go to ground before any challenge arrived. Pinheiro rescinded Paredes’ booking and instead cautioned the Switzerland striker for simulation.
Because Embolo had already been shown a yellow card in the 44th minute, the second caution resulted in a red card, leaving the Swiss forward in tears as he made his way off the pitch. Television pictures captured Embolo visibly distraught, while Switzerland’s players surrounded the referee in protest. One player could be heard shouting “No, no!” through the referee’s microphone as the decision was confirmed.
The dismissal stunned the Swiss players and coaching staff, who had only just clawed their way back into the contest after spending much of the opening hour chasing the game.
Pinheiro immediately called for a hydration break following the red card, giving both teams an opportunity to regroup. Murat Yakin used the pause to reorganise his side, but the task had become considerably more difficult, with Switzerland reduced to 10 men against an Argentina side that had already begun pushing for a decisive goal.
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