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We did not deserve that: Swiss coach Yakin decries Embolo’s red card against Argentina
12th July, 2026 12:33 PM
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has decried what he describes as a ‘rule he does not understand’ in their 3-1 extra-time loss to Argentina in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal clash.
Argentina took the lead early through Alexis Mac Allister, but Switzerland fought back after the break when Dan Ndoye levelled the score. However, the match turned after Breel Embolo was sent off with 18 minutes left in regulation time. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez capitalised in extra time to seal Argentina’s place in the semifinals, ending Switzerland’s hopes of reaching the last four for the first time.
“I would like to praise my entire team,” Yakin said after the match. “We competed against the reigning champion in a World Cup quarterfinal. We came back after conceding and after the equaliser the momentum was on our side.”
Embolo’s red card
The Swiss coach believed his side had seized control before the sending-off changed the course of the encounter.
“We were dominating, but we were punished by a rule that I don’t understand. We didn’t deserve that. My boys are the real heroes. They gave everything today and to be eliminated in this way is hard to accept,” the coach lamented.
Switzerland impressed throughout the tournament by topping their group after victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada, along with a draw against Qatar. They then defeated Algeria and Colombia in the knockout rounds to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
Yakin defended Embolo following the red card, insisting the striker should not shoulder the blame for the defeat.
“I don’t blame him at all. That would be absurd,” he said. “He is a true team player. He is obviously shattered that he couldn’t help the team,”Yakin said.
The 51-year-old also highlighted the respect Switzerland earned from their opponents, saying the team’s performances equalled the nation’s best-ever World Cup finish.
“Their manager told me they were suffering a lot,” Yakin said. “That shows Argentina took us very seriously and that we caused them many problems. We can be very proud of ourselves.”
Looking ahead, Yakin believes every nation left in the competition has a genuine chance of lifting the trophy, including Argentina.
“Argentina performs like a champion,” he said. “If you look at the four teams that remain, all of them can become champions. I wish the entire team and Lionel Scaloni the best of luck.”
