Argentina vs. Switzerland took a turn after Breel Embolo received a red card in the 71st minute of the game.
The quarterfinal was played in Kansas City and became controversial immediately after Switzerland equalized against the defending champions.
VAR Controversy strikes Argentina vs. Switzerland
Breel Embolo was sent off after a dramatic VAR intervention in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Switzerland and Argentina. The Swiss player left the pitch in tears after the decision.
Pinheiro found that Embolo had simulated the challenge and had not been fouled after consulting with VAR. The yellow card for simulation was the second caution for the Swiss forward, who was already on the list for a previous caution, and led to a red card.
(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
The dismissal dramatically altered the momentum of the contest. Switzerland had been growing into the game after Ndoye's equalizer and looked capable of troubling the defending world champions.
Instead, the Argentines had to play with 10 players, while the European side was left with 10.
The incident was an instant talking point in the quarterfinal. Replays showed that VAR prompted Pinheiro to reverse his initial call. Video Assistant Referee Guillermo Pacheco concluded that there had been no foul by Paredes and that Embolo had attempted to deceive the referee by going down too easily.
According to the FIFA Laws, a player can be booked for simulation, and as Embolo had already been booked, the second booking saw him sent off.
A number of fans wondered why the contact was necessary to overturn the on-field decision, and others argued for VAR's involvement. Whatever the outcome, the red card was one of the most memorable moments of the match, and Switzerland were left a man down against Lionel Messi's Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinal.
