Switzerland manager slams Breel Embolo red card after World Cup exit

KANSAS CITY: Switzerland manager Murat Yakin criticised the decision that led to Breel Embolo’s dismissal, describing the rule behind the red card as ‘unacceptable’ after Argentina ended his side’s historic World Cup run with a 3-1 quarter-final victory.

Switzerland had fought back strongly after Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead, with Dan Ndoye equalising five minutes before Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute.

The striker received a second yellow card for simulation after a lengthy VAR review overturned an initial decision that appeared to award Switzerland a foul.

Yakin said the intervention changed the course of the match.

“There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue,” he said.

“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.”

Switzerland held Argentina until extra time, but Julian Alvarez produced a stunning strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martinez sealed victory nine minutes later.

The defeat ended Switzerland’s first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1954 and denied them a place in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Yakin praised his players for their performance against the reigning world champions.

“We came back from a goal down against the world champions and we had the momentum,” he said.

“We were dominating and controlling the match, and then we were punished.”