Argentina to semifinals (3-1) on a night of scandal: the phantom penalty and Embolo's red card

And if Miami was controversial, Kansas City was straight-up a scandal complete with extra time attached. Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 and will play the semifinals, but the match will be remembered just as much for the champions' comeback as for some refereeing that left the Swiss absolutely steaming: a crystal-clear penalty not given and a red card for "simulation" in the same sequence. Brace yourself.

The match. The champions struck first: a corner from Messi —at 39 he's still pulling strings— and a header from Mac Allister for the 1-0. Switzerland, true to their wall-and-counterattack blueprint, levelled at the end of normal time with a worldie from Ndoye from an impossible angle. They deserved it, because the Swiss were far more than just a defensive wall.

THE controversy: the Embolo case. And here's where it gets absolutely wild. First, Embolo found himself one-on-one with Dibu and the keeper brought him down in the box: the ref didn't blow for ANYTHING. No penalty, no VAR, no apologies. And then when they reviewed the play, things got genuinely surreal: the referee had already shown Paredes a yellow for a tackle… and after checking the monitor he took it back from Paredes and gave Embolo his second yellow for diving. Going from winning a penalty to getting sent off in 90 seconds. Switzerland down to ten, the Swiss bench on fire and everyone losing their minds. It's one of the most bonkers moments I've ever seen in a World Cup.

Down to ten, the champions don't mess around. In extra time, Argentina did what champions do: Julián Álvarez made it 2-1 and Lautaro Martínez sealed the 3-1. Switzerland will forever feel robbed, eliminated eleven against ten with a penalty that should've been in the ref's back pocket. The tournament's defensive fortress exits the stage: only 2 goals conceded in five knockout matches… and both in the cruellest possible way.

What's next: ANOTHER WORLD CUP CLASSIC. England-Argentina, Wednesday the 15th in Atlanta. The Hand of God, the goal of the century, Beckham's red card, the penalty shootouts against Germany… sorry, England. Pure World Cup history in a semifinal. And on the other side of the draw, our bit: Spain-France on Tuesday. What a week, my goodness.

📊 Match sheet: lineups, stats and scoreline · 📰 The other controversy of the night: Norway-England · 🇪🇸 Spain-France, on Tuesday

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