Controversial VAR decision overshadows Argentina's win over Switzerland
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 4:24 AM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
In the World Cup quarterfinal on July 12, Argentina's match against Switzerland became controversial due to a VAR decision that resulted in Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card for simulation. This decision, related to the 'mistaken identity' rule, raised questions about the application of VAR, as it effectively altered the nature of the offense reviewed. Switzerland faced significant disadvantage with 10 men remaining in a crucial match. Analysts and fans are raising concerns that this interpretation of the VAR rules could set a concerning precedent for future tournaments. The ongoing debate suggests VAR will continue to attract scrutiny as the World Cup progresses.
- •Argentina played Switzerland in a World Cup quarterfinal on July 12.
- •Breel Embolo received a second yellow card after a VAR review.
- •The decision was based on the 'mistaken identity' rule.
- •Switzerland was left with 10 players after the controversial call.
- •Debate over VAR's role in officiating is expected to intensify.
- 5:30 AMYahoo Sports — Soccer world reacts to controversial red card that helped Argentina beat Switzerland, advance to World Cup semis
- 5:20 AMThe Guardian Sport — Switzerland hits out at VAR after ‘mistaken identity’ check ends in Breel Embolo red card
- 4:24 AMYahoo Sports — Argentina’s VAR Gift Sparks World Cup Outrage
"Attacker shown second yellow card for simulation Argentina topple Swiss with two goals in extra time Fifa match officials’ novel use of the term “mistaken identity” reared its head again in sensational circumstances during Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final between Switzerland and Argentina, leaving Swiss forward Breel Embolo in tears and the European side a man down for a total of 67 minutes against the defending champions. “It’s completey not understandable,” Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin said afterward. “I know that they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed the game today.” Continue reading...
"Argentina’s World Cup quarterfinal victory over Switzerland is now being overshadowed by a controversial VAR decision that left fans and analysts questioning the game’s newest rule change. A review led to Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card for simulation under the new “mistaken identity” rule, a decision that completely changed the match. The problem…
"Referee Joao Pinheiro's decision to send Breel Embolo off for "mistaken identity" left many onlookers feeling confused.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 12, 2026, 5:30 AMSoccer world reacts to controversial red card that helped Argentina beat Switzerland, advance to World Cup semis
Referee Joao Pinheiro's decision to send Breel Embolo off for "mistaken identity" left many onlookers feeling confused.
- The Guardian SportJul 12, 2026, 5:20 AMSwitzerland hits out at VAR after ‘mistaken identity’ check ends in Breel Embolo red card
Attacker shown second yellow card for simulation Argentina topple Swiss with two goals in extra time Fifa match officials’ novel use of the term “mistaken identity” reared its head again in sensational circumstances during Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final between Switzerland and Argentina, leaving Swiss forward Breel Embolo in tears and the European side a man down for a total of 67 minutes against the defending champions. “It’s completey not understandable,” Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin said afterward. “I know that they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed the game today.” Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJul 12, 2026, 4:24 AMArgentina’s VAR Gift Sparks World Cup Outrage
Argentina’s World Cup quarterfinal victory over Switzerland is now being overshadowed by a controversial VAR decision that left fans and analysts questioning the game’s newest rule change. A review led to Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card for simulation under the new “mistaken identity” rule, a decision that completely changed the match. The problem…
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