Breel Embolo receives red card against Argentina after historic VAR review
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off in a World Cup quarter-final against Argentina after a landmark VAR mistaken identity review penalised him for simulation.
The 29-year-old was dismissed during a crucial period of the match following a tangle with Leandro Paredes.
Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked the Argentine midfielder after the Swiss attacker went to ground looking for a foul.
However, the match official was instructed to consult the pitchside monitor to review the incident.
Landmark rule change implemented
Pinheiro subsequently reversed his decision and removed the caution from the Boca Juniors player.
He determined the Rennes forward had initiated the contact and penalised him for diving instead.
Because the striker had already been cautioned for a reckless challenge just before half-time, he was shown a second yellow card.
The referee announced his final verdict directly to the stadium crowd.
After review, there is no foul for number five, number seven, there is clear simulation, final decision, yellow card number seven.Joao Pinheiro
A crucial turning point
The dramatic reversal was made possible by newly introduced IFAB regulations designed to correct cases of mistaken identity.
Fifa chief officiating officer Pierluigi Collina heavily championed the protocol ahead of the tournament.
The dismissal halted significant momentum for the European side.
They had fallen behind early on when Alexis Mac Allister outjumped Manuel Akanji to score inside the opening 10 minutes.
Semi-final implications
Switzerland had just restored parity through a clinical finish from Dan Ndoye.
The Nottingham Forest winger played a neat one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez before powering a shot past Emiliano Martinez.
The red card leaves the Swiss star inconsolable and facing a suspension should his team advance.
Whoever emerges victorious from the tie will face England in the semi-finals, following their extra-time win over Norway.