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Soccer world reacts to controversial red card that helped Argentina beat Switzerland, advance to World Cup semis originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Few moments proved as pivotal in Argentina's 3-1 win over Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the World Cup as Breel Embolo's red card.
The Swiss forward, arguably the best player in the Swiss attack following Johan Manzambi's injury, was handed his walking papers with 20 minutes left in regulation, disappearing into the dressing room after VAR assessed that he had dived on a play that saw Leandro Paredes get carded.
Embolo's removal left Switzerland without an outlet at the top of the pitch. The Swiss were forced to retreat in front of their own goal in the hopes of clogging up La Albiceleste's sight of Gregor Kobel's cage. In the end, the task proved too difficult for Switzerland to achieve; late goals relegated Murat Yakin's side to defeat in extra time, a disappointing end to one of the nation's finest tournament runs.
With that, here's a look at how social media reacted to Embolo's controversial dismissal.
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Soccer world reacts to controversial red card
The footballing world was left is disbelief following referee Joao Pinheiro's decision to send Embolo off. While most didn't deny that the Swiss striker dove, the decision to hand him his marching papers due to "mistaken identity" left some feeling aggrieved, with the general sentiment being that the referee was a bit heavy-handed.
“I find that we’re now officially entering the zone of re-refereeing the game.”@ChristinaUnkel discusses whether the right decision was made when Leandro Paredes’ yellow card was rescinded and given to Breel Embolo pic.twitter.com/fxNzBmo3gO
— CBS Sports Golazo️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) July 12, 2026
Some believed Embolo's theatrics were similar to that of some Argentine players.
Others had sympathy for Pinheiro, believing Embolo's gesture was a clear violation of the game's rules.
All told, Pinheiro's ruling was certainly contentious. It certainly had a major bearing on the final result of the contest, with Switzerland unable to send waves of attacks forward for the remainder of the match. Murat Yakin's defense huffed and puffed, attempting to turn away La Albiceleste's pressure. Ultimately, Argentina breached Gregor Kobel's cage twice courtesy of Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez strikes in the second half of extra time.
MORE: Full player ratings from Argentina's win over Switzerland
Why was Breel Embolo's red card controversial?
Embolo's red proved contentious for a handful of reasons. For one, the decision to send the Swiss forward off as opposed to merely nixing Leandro Paredes' yellow was a dizzying move. Furthermore, the game state appeared to suggest onlookers were slated to witness an eye-catching crescendo. Embolo's red ensured that wouldn't be the case.
All told, Embolo's dismissal changed the match in a marked way. Perhaps Pinheiro was justified in making such a move — in many ways, Embolo left him no choice. Nevertheless, the decision proved an unpopular one around many circles of the internet. Argentina almost certainly won't mind, though.
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