Switzerland level with Argentina before Embolo red card in World Cup quarter-final
Tense Quarter-Final Encounter
A dramatic turn of events unfolded in the World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City. After Switzerland equalised in the second half, their momentum was quickly halted when forward Breel Embolo received a red card, reducing his team to ten men. The match saw Argentina, the reigning world champions, initially take the lead before Switzerland fought back to level the score at 1-1.
The game remained tight, with Argentina pressing late against the ten-man Swiss side. Lionel Messi had a significant opportunity from the edge of the penalty area, cutting inside and shooting with his right foot, but the ball went just wide of the post. Nine minutes of stoppage time were added at the end of the second half, intensifying the search for a winner.
Earlier in the match, Alexis Mac Allister headed over after a cross from substitute Nico Gonzalez. Messi also had another chance in the 85th minute to give Argentina a late lead. He was played through over the Swiss defence and attempted to chip the ball over goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made the save. The offside flag was raised belatedly, though replays suggested Messi might have been onside.
Embolo’s Red Card Incident
The pivotal moment of the match occurred when Breel Embolo was sent off. He received a second yellow card for simulation after an incident involving Leandro Paredes. Initially, Paredes was shown a yellow card for bringing down the Swiss attacker, but the referee was asked to consult the VAR monitor. Replays indicated that Embolo had simulated contact, leading to the decision being reversed. This resulted in Embolo receiving his second yellow card and subsequently a red card, leaving Switzerland with ten men.
The decision was met with disbelief from the Swiss players, who surrounded the referee, but the call stood. Embolo was visibly distraught on the bench, reportedly in tears within moments of the decision. This incident followed a physical battle between Embolo and Paredes throughout the night. The penalty for diving is a yellow card, and players are expected to be aware of their card status in high-stakes matches.
Prior to the red card, Switzerland had found their equaliser in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye. The goal came after a well-executed move on the right side, with Ndoye laying the ball off to Ricardo Rodriguez and continuing his run. Rodriguez then slipped the ball back to Ndoye, who side-footed his shot past Emi Martinez. This goal brought Switzerland level after Argentina had held a 1-0 lead since the opening minutes.
Match Dynamics and Missed Opportunities
The first half had been a cagey affair, with Argentina holding a 1-0 lead at halftime thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s header, assisted by Lionel Messi from a dead ball situation. Switzerland had possession but lacked incision, especially with Johan Manzambi out injured. Breel Embolo had been active in the forward third but struggled against Leandro Paredes’s close marking.
After the break, Switzerland showed more attacking intent. Embolo forced Emi Martinez into a good save, and Granit Xhaka also tested the goalkeeper. Switzerland created several openings, including a cross from Ricardo Rodriguez that Embolo headed without much power. Lisandro Martinez made a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Embolo after he was set free through the middle, though an offside flag was raised belatedly.
Argentina, despite being the defending champions, appeared somewhat uninspired at times, struggling to assert themselves against the ten men of Switzerland after Embolo’s sending off. The Swiss remained compact without the ball, making it difficult for Argentina to break through. Lionel Messi delivered a brilliant corner that Enzo Fernandez headed over the bar, highlighting Argentina’s efforts from set pieces.
The match was played in Kansas City, with extra time looming as the second half concluded. The Swiss had been unable to capitalise on several set-piece opportunities throughout the game. Argentina had also benefited from some significant calls in their previous match against Egypt, which led to allegations of a conspiracy from the losing side. However, the red card decision for Embolo was widely seen as correct, based on clear simulation.
The quarter-final match saw England also secure a semi-final spot by defeating Norway 2-1, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. That match also had its share of controversy, including an inadvertent assist from a spider cam wire for England’s opener and a disallowed Erling Haaland goal due to a push. Spain and France are set to play in the other semi-final.
The Argentina versus Switzerland game remained tied at 1-1 as the second half drew to a close.
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Source: abc.net.au
