Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin launched a furious attack on the officials, labeling the VAR intervention that saw Breel Embolo sent off as “unacceptable” following their heartbreaking 3-1 World Cup extra-time defeat to Argentina.
The Swiss were on the verge of scripting yet another World Cup fairytale. Just five minutes after Dan Ndoye had brilliantly cancelled out Alexis Mac Allister’s early opener, momentum was firmly with Yakin’s side.
However, the game turned on its head in the 72nd minute in controversial fashion. Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after a lengthy VAR review overturned an initial booking for Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, leaving the Swiss to fight with 10 men.
The disadvantage finally took its toll in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez struck a world-class strike, before Lautaro Martinez sealed the 3-1 win for the holders, ending Switzerland’s finest World Cup run since 1954.
Yakin blasts “unnecessary” VAR intervention
Speaking after the quarter-final heartbreak, a devastated Yakin did not hold back his anger regarding the refereeing decision that shattered his side’s hopes of a historic semi-final berth.
“There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card,” Yakin said. “It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.
“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.
“It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way.”
The Switzerland boss insisted that the red card completely halted a period of genuine Swiss dominance over the reigning world champions.
“I would like to praise the entire team because we came back from a goal down against the world champions and we had the momentum,” he added.
“We were dominating and controlling the match, and then we were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don’t understand it. My boys are the real heroes.”
Freuler demands FIFA explanation as Embolo left shattered
The anger was shared across the Swiss dressing room. Veteran midfielder Remo Freuler echoed his manager’s disbelief and publicly called on tournament organizers to clarify how the decision was reached.
“I’m very proud of the team. You could tell that we gave 100%,” Freuler said.
“I don’t understand how VAR can make such a decision, and FIFA has to explain it to us.”
Embolo, who collapsed in tears on the pitch before being consoled by teammates, was said to be entirely distraught in the dressing room. Yakin was quick to defend his star striker, putting the blame squarely on the officials.
“He was fouled many times and he had a few very good moments in this game, but then he couldn’t help the team any more,” Yakin said.
“I don’t blame him. Obviously, he is shattered because he could not help the team. It was a refereeing mistake.”
A historic campaign despite the heartbreak
While the exit will sting for a long time, it brings the curtain down on an iconic tournament for the Swiss, who reached the final eight of a World Cup for the first time in 72 years.
Reflecting on the journey as a whole, Yakin concluded:
“I am very proud, they are very proud.”
