12/07/2026 10:48 - Deportes
The Argentina National Team (commonly known as La Albiceleste) advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after an agonizing but deserved 3-1 victory over Switzerland in extra time, on July 11, 2026, in Kansas City. However, the end of the match left some crossed statements and a moment of high tension that the Swiss coach did not let pass.
As reported by the Argentine media TyC Sports, the Swiss head coach, Murat Yakin, criticized the refereeing and the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) performance. The peak moment of the controversy occurred when Breel Embolo simulated a foul that earned Leandro Paredes a yellow card, even though the Argentine midfielder never touched him.
After the VAR review, the referee revoked Paredes' card and booked Embolo. Since the forward already had a previous yellow card, he was sent off. That rule destroyed the match. There was no reason for that yellow card, I repeat. That situation should have just let the play continue, Yakin lamented during a press conference published on July 12, 2026.
Despite the anger over the elimination, Yakin showed great human quality when referring to his player's emotional state: He was feeling bad, he is broken. He is a team player. The refereeing error has punished us all.
Furthermore, he revealed a conversation with Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's manager, at the end of the match: He told me he was suffering a lot. We created many dangerous situations for them. The Franco-Swiss coach denied any alleged favoritism towards Argentina and closed with a hopeful message: I wish the best of luck to Messi and the entire Argentine National Team. Any of the four teams left can be champions.
Argentina, who reached this stage after defeating Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16, will now face England in the semifinals. The match will be played on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. A historic matchup awaits!
Alfredo S. Quiroga
