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Switzerland coach blasts 'unacceptable' VAR rule after Argentina defeat
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Switzerland coach blasts 'unacceptable' VAR rule after Argentina defeat

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Switzerland's coach criticized a VAR decision that led to a player's red card in their World Cup quarter-final loss to Argentina.
  • The coach argued the simulation call was "unacceptable" and ruined the team's momentum after they had equalized.
  • Despite the controversial exit, the coach praised his team's performance throughout the tournament.

Switzerland's World Cup journey ended in controversy after a 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina, with coach Murat Yakin fiercely criticizing a VAR-influenced red card decision.

There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.

— Murat YakinSwitzerland coach Murat Yakin on the VAR decision leading to Breel Embolo's red card.

Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute, a call Yakin deemed "unacceptable" and detrimental to the game. "It was a rule that has nothing to do with football. It destroyed our game today," Yakin stated, expressing disbelief at the intervention. He argued that the situation did not warrant a card and that play should have continued, especially after Switzerland had equalized through Dan Ndoye and were controlling the match.

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.

— Murat YakinMurat Yakin expressing his frustration with the VAR rule and its impact on the match.

Despite the painful exit, Yakin lauded his team's resilience and performance. "I would like to praise the entire team because we came back from a goal down against the world champions and we had the momentum," he said. He emphasized that his players were the "real heroes" for their efforts throughout the tournament, which saw Switzerland reach their first quarter-final since 1954.

It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way.

— Murat YakinMurat Yakin on the consequences of the controversial decision.

Midfielder Remo Freuler echoed the coach's sentiments, questioning the VAR decision and calling for FIFA to provide an explanation. Embolo himself was visibly devastated by the dismissal, receiving comfort from teammates. Yakin acknowledged the striker's heartbreak, stating he was "shattered because he could not help the team." The coach, however, maintained pride in Switzerland's historic run, which surpassed expectations and marked their best World Cup performance in over seven decades.

I would like to praise the entire team because we came back from a goal down against the world champions and we had the momentum.

— Murat YakinMurat Yakin praising his team's performance despite the loss.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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