Switzerland coach Murat Yakin described the rule behind Breel Embolo sending off as “unacceptable” after Argentina scored twice in extra time to win 3-1 in their World Cup quarterfinal.
Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute.
It came 5 minutes after Dan Ndoye had cancelled out Alexis Mac Allister’s early opener, with Switzerland appearing to be the greater threat in Kansas City.
Portuguese referee João Pinheiro had initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes before a lengthy VAR review established that Embolo had not been fouled.
“There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card,” Yakin said.
“It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.
“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.
“It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way.”
Yakin added: “It’s very painful that we were eliminated that way. I don’t think we deserve that today, and in my opinion, my boys are the real heroes.”
“The referee made the wrong decision.”
Embolo collapsed in tears after the red card and was consoled by his teammates before leaving the pitch.
Yakin said Embolo was devastated.
“He was fouled many times and he had a few very good moments in this game, but then he couldn’t help the team any more,” Yakin said.
“I don’t blame him. Obviously, he is shattered because he could not help the team. It was a refereeing mistake.”
Midfielder Remo Freuler also questioned the intervention and called on FIFA to explain the decision.
“I’m very proud of the team. You could tell that we gave 100 per cent,” Freuler said.
“I don’t understand how VAR can make such a decision, and FIFA has to explain it to us.”
Switzerland held out until the 112th minute, when Julián Alvarez whipped a superb long-range shot into the top corner, before Lautaro Martínez added Argentina’s third 9 minutes later.
The defeat ended Switzerland’s first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954 and left it one victory short of reaching the last four for the first time.
Reuters
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