Fuming Murat Yakin slams VAR after Breel Embolo’s red card ruined Switzerland’s World Cup dream

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin has lashed out at the officials, calling the VAR intervention that saw Breel Embolo sent off “unacceptable” following their 3-1 World Cup extra-time defeat to Argentina.

The Swiss were about to write another World Cup legend. Just five minutes after Dan Ndoye canceled out Alexis Mac Allister’s early goal, the momentum was strong for Yakin’s team.

However, the game turned on its head in the 72nd minute in a controversial fashion. Embolo was shown a second yellow card for his conduct after a lengthy VAR review overturned Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes’ first booking, leaving the Swiss with 10 men.

Evil finally struck in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez hit a world-class strike, before Lautaro Martinez made it 3-1 for the hosts, ending Switzerland’s best World Cup run since 1954.

Yakin blasts VAR intervention as “unnecessary”.

Speaking after the quarter-final woes, a distraught Yakin did not hold back his anger over the referee’s decision that dashed his team’s hopes of making history in the semi-finals.

“There was absolutely no reason to give a yellow card,” said Yakin. “It was a harmless situation. He should have stopped playing and continued.

“We were punished because of an unacceptable rule. I don’t understand it. That they interfered unnecessarily is very painful. It is a rule that has nothing to do with football.

“It ruined our game today. We have to accept it, but it hurts to lose like that.”

The Swiss manager insisted that the red card completely halted Switzerland’s era of real dominance over the reigning world champions.

“I would like to praise the whole team because we came back from the goal against the world champions and we had momentum,” he added.

“We were in control of the game, then we were punished because of an unacceptable rule, I don’t understand it, my boys are real heroes.

Freuler wants an explanation from FIFA as Embolo left broken

The outrage was shared by the entire Swiss clothing scene. The veteran midfielder, Remo Freuler, left his manager’s disbelief and went public and asked the organizers of the tournament to clarify how this decision was reached.

“I’m very proud of the team. You can tell we gave 100%,” said Freuler.

“I don’t understand how VAR can make such a decision, and FIFA should explain it to us.”

Embolo, who collapsed crying on the field before being comforted by his teammates, was said to be still frustrated in the dressing room. Yakin was quick to defend his star striker, laying the blame squarely on the officials.

“He was fouled many times and had some great moments in the game, but he couldn’t help the team anymore,” said Yakin.

“I don’t blame him. It’s obvious that he’s upset because he couldn’t help the team. It was the referee’s fault.”

An epic campaign despite the heartbreak

Although the exit will be long-lasting, it opens the curtain on a historic tournament for the Swiss, who have reached the final stage of the World Cup for the first time in 72 years.

Reflecting on the trip as a whole, Yakin concluded:

“I’m very proud, they are very proud.”