Swiss Forward Sees Red for Feigning a Foul

Kansas City, July 12: Switzerland were reduced to 10 men after forward Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation, moments after helping his side draw level against Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinal.

Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute through Ndoye, who finished a well-worked move with a composed strike to make it 1-1.

Just five minutes later, however, the momentum shifted dramatically. In the 69th minute, referee François Letexier initially showed Leandro Paredes a yellow card for an apparent foul on Embolo.

Following a VAR review, officials determined there had been no contact between the two players. The booking for Paredes was overturned, while Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation, resulting in his dismissal.

Earlier in the second half, Switzerland had threatened to score when Embolo raced onto a through ball down the right and squared it for Ndoye.

Lisandro Martínez produced an excellent block to deny the effort, although the move was later ruled offside as the assistant referee had already raised the flag against Embolo.

The Swiss continued to press. Ndoye met a cross from the left with a header toward the far post, but Emiliano Martínez made a superb diving save.

Moments later, a powerful long-range effort from nearly 30 meters bounced awkwardly in front of the Argentine goalkeeper, who reacted well to keep the shot out.

Shortly before Embolo’s dismissal, Switzerland found their equalizer. Ndoye combined neatly with Ricardo Rodríguez in a one-two move on the left before controlling the return pass and firing a low diagonal shot inside the near post.

The ball nestled into the far corner, bringing Switzerland back into the contest before their numerical disadvantage changed the course of the match.