VAR drama forces Embolo off as Argentina battle Egypt

The VAR’s decisive intervention saw Swiss striker Breel Embolo receive a second yellow card, leaving Argentina with ten men and altering the balance of the encounter against Egypt. The decision sparked an emotional exit for Embolo, who left the pitch in tears as his teammates offered comfort. After seventy minutes, midfielder Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow for a challenge on Embolo, but the VAR intervened at referee João Pinheiro and signalled a mistake. The review concluded that the booking had been given to the wrong player; Paredes had not committed the foul and the Swiss attacker had simulated a dive, prompting the second caution for Embolo.

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Embolo departed in tears, consoled by his teammates, while Switzerland later managed to force extra time in the match. The VAR also played a pivotal role in the Argentina‑Egypt game when Egypt’s second goal was ruled out after a prior infringement on an Argentine player. Egypt appealed for the third Argentine goal to be reviewed for a possible foul, but the VAR chose not to intervene, allowing the score to stand.