Switzerland forward Breel Embolo has been savaged after being sent off for an embarrassing dive just when his side had Argentina on the ropes in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Match Context
Argentina had long looked set to progress to a semi-final against England after Alexis Mac Allister’s 10th-minute goal, but Dan Ndoye equalised midway through the second half, the tension rising immediately in Kansas City.
But Embolo’s desperation backfired after a VAR review exposed his simulation and earned him a second yellow card.
VAR Decision
The 29-year-old was sent off as a result while Argentina’s Leandro Paredes had his yellow card for the supposed tackle revoked. The vision showed Embolo jumped before Paredes had closed in and threw his leg out in an attempt to deceive the referee. Teammates rushed to protest the decision.
“This is remarkable. I think there’s going to be a lot of people, more than (just) Switzerland, upset with a decision like this in a game of this magnitude,” Brad Friedel said in commentary. “I feel really sorry for Embolo. What’s most important now is that the Swiss players keep their head.”
Reactions
Former Premier League player turned pundit Bradley Wright-Phillips had no such sympathy. “I feel for Embolo’s teammates, I don’t feel for him. He has cost his team maybe getting through to the semi-finals,” he said on the BBC.
Embolo covered his face and broke down in tears as he left the pitch, with teammates and officials attempting to console him. “He is visibly distraught. He is devastated by this turn of events,” commentator Chris Wise said.
Aftermath
The cost was clear, however, with Argentina given a perfect chance to push for a winner. Switzerland managed to hold on to send the match to extra time.
