Switzerland star Granit Xhaka expressed frustration after a contentious red card for teammate Breel Embolo contributed to the team's 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Swiss team crashed out of the tournament after Argentina scored twice in the additional period in Kansas City. The pivotal moment came in the 70th minute when Embolo was sent off following a VAR review.
Red Card Incident
Embolo was shown a second yellow card, leading to his dismissal, after a VAR check determined he had simulated a foul by Argentine player Leandro Paredes. Paredes had initially received a yellow card for his challenge, but the VAR review, under a new 'mistaken identity' rule, indicated that Embolo had initiated contact before going down. This rule allows officials to overturn decisions if the foul was committed by the opposition and the card was wrongly issued.
Referee Joao Pinheiro, after reviewing the pitchside monitor, rescinded the yellow card for Paredes and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation. As Embolo had already been booked in the first half, this resulted in a red card.
Switzerland players protested the decision, and a visibly upset Embolo was comforted by teammates as he left the field.
Xhaka's Reaction
Following the match, Xhaka stated that the red card decision fundamentally altered the game. "The red card changed everything. It changed our gameplan from the beginning," he told reporters. "If you have to lose because of one decision from the referee, it’s painful but it was his decision. It’s difficult to accept now after a game because the dressing room was very quiet, disappointed."
Xhaka, who is the Swiss captain, added, "The rules are the rules and we can’t change them but it’s a decision where you kill the game. That’s my opinion. 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."
Embolo's dismissal occurred shortly after Switzerland had equalized through Dan Ndoye, who scored in the second half after an exchange of passes with Ricardo Rodriguez. The team played the final 20 minutes of regular time and the entirety of extra-time with 10 men.
Argentina secured their victory with two goals in extra-time, advancing to the semi-finals. Switzerland's defeat marked the end of their World Cup campaign.