Breel Embolo devastated after costly error against Argentina ends his World Cup dream

Breel Embolo’s World Cup campaign came to an abrupt end after the Swiss striker was sent off for simulation during his side’s quarter-final against Argentina on Saturday. Embolo complained about a costly dive after receiving a second yellow card following a VAR review.

The striker, who had already been booked at the end of the first half, was first awarded a free-kick by referee Joao Pinheiro, who cautioned Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. However, after reviewing the incident on the pitch monitor, the referee overturned his decision, lifted Paredes’ booking and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation.

The send-off came at 1-1 with 18 minutes remaining, leaving Switzerland playing the closing stages with 10 men against the defending world champions.

It was a dramatic turnaround in a contest that had swung in Switzerland’s favor just moments before. Dan Ndoye leveled the scores with an even finish from a tight angle after exchanging passes with Ricardo Rodriguez to cancel out Alexis Mac Allister’s first-half opener, which came from a Lionel Messi corner.

Just minutes after the equaliser, Embolo chased down a loose ball in Argentina’s half and Leandro Paredes tracked him down. Pinheiro first penalized the Argentina midfielder and issued a yellow card, but the incident was referred to an on-pitch review.

After watching the footage on the pitch monitor, the referee overturned his decision. Footage showed there was no contact from Paredes, with Embolo appearing to go to ground before any challenge arrived. Pinheiro overturned Paredes’ booking and instead booked the Switzerland striker for simulation.

With Embolo already booked in the 44th minute, a second caution resulted in a red card, leaving the Swiss striker in tears as he left the pitch. Television images captured Embolo visibly upset, while Switzerland players surrounded the referee in protest. One player could be heard shouting “No, no!” over the referee’s microphone when the decision was upheld.

The send-off stunned the Swiss players and coaching staff, who were only just clawing their way back into the game after spending most of the opening hour chasing the game.

Pinheiro immediately called for a hydration break after the red card, giving both teams an opportunity to regroup. Murat Yakin used the break to reorganize his side, but the task became considerably more difficult as Switzerland were reduced to 10 men against an Argentina side that had already begun to press for the decisive goal.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

12 Jul 2026 08:26 IST