Embolo Red Card Chaos Sends Argentina to the Semis

Argentina are through to the World Cup semi-finals after a remarkable and deeply controversial quarter-final in Kansas City, according to Reuters. The holders won 3-1 after extra time, but the night will be remembered most for the moment that changed everything.

With Switzerland level and in control, Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul on Breel Embolo. VAR then intervened under FIFA's mistaken identity protocol, deciding that it was actually Embolo who had been diving, and referee Joao Pinheiro transferred the booking to the striker, who was already on a yellow card. The red card sent Embolo off in tears.

Switzerland held out bravely but eventually crumbled in extra time. Julian Alvarez whipped a stunning long-range effort into the top corner in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martinez added a third shortly after to seal the win.

It was a historic run for Switzerland regardless, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, but the manner of the exit left a bitter taste. According to Reuters, former striker Bradley Wright-Phillips was blunt in his assessment, saying Embolo had cost his team a potential semi-final place.