Embolo red card turns Swiss dream into heartbreak against Argentina

Breel Embolo's World Cup dream ended in heartbreak as his red card for simulation in the 72nd minute proved the turning point in Switzerland's gripping quarter-final clash against Argentina. The forward became the first player in 20 years to be sent off at a World Cup for diving, a decision that swung the match and ultimately led to Switzerland's 3-1 extra-time defeat, crushing their hopes of a first semi-final appearance.

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We were punished because of a rule that, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable. I don't understand it, it's very painful ... This rule destroyed our game today.

Moments before the controversial call, Switzerland appeared to have momentum. After recovering from an early setback to equalize through Dan Ndoye, Murat Yakin's team seemed poised to challenge Argentina. However, the match shifted dramatically when Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro, prompted by a VAR review for mistaken identity, rescinded a yellow card initially given to Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes and instead booked Embolo for simulation. Since Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier, the revised decision resulted in an immediate dismissal.

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Unfortunately we have to accept it.

Visibly distraught, Embolo was left in tears, while Yakin expressed bewilderment and frustration. "We were punished because of a rule that, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable. I don't understand it, it's very painful ... This rule destroyed our game today," the Switzerland manager stated, acknowledging they had to accept the outcome. With 10 men, Switzerland struggled to contain Argentina, who capitalized on the extra space with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in extra time.

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The truth is that luck was on our side today, because they had a player sent off and that's when our team started attacking. We have to be realistic.

Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged his team's good fortune. "The truth is that luck was on our side today, because they had a player sent off and that's when our team started attacking. We have to be realistic," he said. For Embolo, the ending was particularly poignant given his turbulent tournament build-up, which included a visa saga delaying his arrival. Despite the cruel end, Yakin defended his player, calling him a "true team player" who was "shattered."

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I don't blame him at all. He is a true team player. He is shattered.