In a demonstration of character and technical superiority, the Argentine National Team secured its place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Switzerland by 3-1 at the Kansas City stadium. The team led by Lionel Scaloni had to battle for 120 minutes to break the resistance of a Swiss side that, while showing great physical effort, ultimately succumbed to the weight of history and the talent of the Albiceleste.
The match started favorably for the world champion with an early goal from Alexis Mac Allister. However, tension increased when Dan Ndoye equalized for the Europeans in the 67th minute. The parity seemed to give the Swiss a boost, but sporting justice made its presence felt in the 72nd minute to punish dishonesty: forward Breel Embolo attempted to deceive the referee by simulating a foul by Leandro Paredes.
What was, for Swiss coach Murat Yakin, an injustice, was nothing more than the strict application of the rules.
Portuguese referee João Pinheiro, after a review of the VAR, applied the Mistaken Identity rule (a recent regulatory addition that allows for correcting sanctions) to withdraw the initial yellow card from the Argentine and expel Embolo for a second yellow card after his obvious simulation.
After the match, a visibly frustrated Murat Yakin, unable to acknowledge Argentina's superiority, exploded against the officiating and technology, claiming that his team was superior:
