Switzerland star Granit Xhaka accused the referee of "killing the game" after a contentious red card decision for teammate Breel Embolo contributed to their World Cup quarter-final exit against Argentina. The Swiss were defeated 3-2 in extra time after Embolo was sent off in the 70th minute following a VAR review.
Embolo was shown a second yellow card, and consequently a red, after VAR determined he had simulated a foul by Argentine player Leandro Paredes. The incident occurred shortly after Switzerland had equalized through Dan Ndoye. The decision left Embolo in tears on the pitch and reduced Switzerland to 10 men for the remainder of regulation time and the subsequent extra period.
Xhaka, the Swiss captain, described the red card as a "painful" decision that altered the complexion of the match. "If you have to lose because of one decision from the referee, it’s painful but it was his decision," Xhaka told reporters. "It’s difficult to accept now after a game because the dressing room was very quiet, disappointed."
He further elaborated on the impact of the dismissal, stating, "The red card changed everything. It changed our gameplan from the beginning." Xhaka voiced his belief that Switzerland would have had a stronger chance of winning had the match remained 11 versus 11. "I don’t know what else he can do but just don’t kill the game. We were so good in the game. I believed that at 11 versus 11 we would have had them but it’s very difficult to find the right words after the game."
The incident unfolded when Embolo went down following contact with Paredes. The referee, Joao Pinheiro, initially cautioned Paredes, but a VAR review initiated under a new 'mistaken identity' rule led to the decision being overturned. The review indicated that Embolo had initiated contact and then tumbled, constituting simulation. Referee Pinheiro subsequently issued Embolo a caution for simulation, which, combined with his earlier yellow card, resulted in his expulsion.
The Swiss players protested the decision vehemently, while Embolo was comforted by teammates as he left the field. The loss marked the end of Switzerland's World Cup campaign in the quarter-final stage.