Switzerland coach Murat Yakin labelled the rule behind Breel Embolo’s red card “unacceptable” after Argentina’s 3‑1 extra‑time win in the World Cup quarter‑finals. Embolo received a second yellow for simulation in the 72nd minute, moments after Switzerland had equalised through Dan Ndoye and begun to control the match. The referee initially booked Leandro Paredes, but VAR overturned the decision, ruling no foul had occurred. Yakin said the intervention “destroyed our game,” arguing the situation was harmless and should not have resulted in punishment.

Switzerland held firm until the 112th minute, when Julián Álvarez struck a superb long‑range goal, before Lautaro Martínez added a third. The defeat ended Switzerland’s deepest World Cup run since 1954. Yakin praised his players’ resilience and insisted they were “the real heroes.” Midfielder Remo Freuler also criticised the VAR decision, calling on FIFA for clarification, while Embolo left the pitch in tears after the dismissal.