Swiss coach slams refs after World Cup exit: 'Football did not win'

Following Switzerland's exit from the World Cup, coach Murat Yakin directed sharp criticism towards the officiating, particularly after a contentious red card decision.

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The truth is that we suffered quite a bit. We knew we were facing a physically very strong team that caused us a lot of problems. In certain periods of the game, we didn't find the right solutions.

Yakin expressed disbelief over the expulsion of Swiss player Breel Embolo in the 72nd minute. The referee initially issued a yellow card for a challenge, but after a VAR review, upgraded it to a second yellow, resulting in Embolo's dismissal. Yakin vehemently disagreed, calling it a "harmless situation" with "no reason for a yellow card."

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This time, luck was on our side. We only took the initiative on the field when we had an extra player. We have to be honest with ourselves and admit that we will have to improve many things, but it is always easier to fix certain mistakes after victories.

Despite playing with ten men, Yakin stated his team fought until the end, aiming to force a penalty shootout where he believed they would have had a psychological edge. He concluded bitterly that "football did not win" in the quarter-final match.

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Such victories are the most beautiful and give the team a lot of confidence. I would like to win in an easier way, but at this moment, the most important thing is that we continue on the path to the final goal.

On the other side, Argentinian coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged his team's struggles and admitted luck played a role in their victory. He conceded that Argentina did not play at its best and must improve, especially after falling behind in certain phases of the game. Scaloni recognized the physical strength of the Swiss team and the difficulties they presented.

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We were the better opponent, but it didn't help us in the end.