World Cup: Swiss coach fumes over 'mistaken identity' rule after Embolo's controversial red card

Switzerland's World Cup dreams were dashed in a 1-3 extra-time loss to Argentina, but the post-match fallout was dominated by a controversial refereeing decision. Head coach Murat Yakin unleashed a furious tirade against FIFA's new "mistaken identity" review system, which he claims "completely destroyed our game."

The pivotal moment occurred in the 70th minute when Swiss striker Breel Embolo collided with Argentina's Leandro Paredes. The initial call favored Switzerland, with the referee showing Paredes a yellow card. However, a VAR review under the "mistaken identity" rule led to a reversal. The referee then judged Embolo's fall as simulation, resulting in a second yellow card and a red card, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.

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We were punished by a completely unacceptable rule!

"We were punished by a completely unacceptable rule!" Yakin exclaimed, expressing his strong dissatisfaction. He argued that the contact was minimal and VAR intervention was unnecessary. "This rule is extremely damaging. My players are the real heroes. We deserved the semifinals, but this inexplicable decision ruined it."

Yakin refused to blame Embolo, instead pointing to a severe error by the officials and the system. The match had been evenly poised, with Switzerland gaining momentum after Embolo's teammate Ndoye scored an equalizer. Embolo's red card, making him the fourth player in World Cup history to be sent off for diving, shifted the game's dynamics dramatically. Despite pushing the match into extra time, the depleted Swiss side ultimately succumbed to goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.

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This rule is extremely damaging. My players are the real heroes. We deserved the semifinals, but this inexplicable decision ruined it.