Breel Embolo ends his silence ten days after the World Cup quarterfinal red card that sank Switzerland against Argentina
The Swiss striker posted an emotional message on Instagram late on 20 July, admitting he still has 'no words' for the disappointment of his 72nd-minute sending-off.
The Instagram statement
Breel Embolo has spoken publicly for the first time since his controversial red card in Switzerland's World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina. The 29-year-old forward posted a message on Instagram alongside a series of tournament photographs, ten days after the 1:3 extra-time defeat.
It took some time for me to really process this defeat. There are still no words to describe the disappointment I feel.
He addressed Swiss fans directly, saying he hoped the team had made them proud during the tournament. Embolo insisted the squad had given everything for the jersey and the country.
The simulation incident
Embolo was dismissed in the 72nd minute with the score locked at 1:1. Referee Joao Pinheiro initially awarded a foul against Argentina's Leandro Paredes and showed him a yellow card. After a VAR intervention, Pinheiro reviewed the footage and saw that Embolo had not been touched at all, but had launched himself to the ground seeking a foul.
Pinheiro reversed his decision, rescinded Paredes's yellow card, and sent Embolo off with a second yellow. Switzerland conceded twice while a man down and exited the tournament 1:3 after extra time.
The new VAR rule
A new "player misidentification" rule underpinned the VAR review. The protocol permits the video assistant to intervene when the wrong player has received a yellow or red card. A clarification issued at the start of the World Cup confirmed this applies not only to teammates but also to opponents, allowing Pinheiro to transfer the sanction from Paredes to Embolo.
Gratitude and defiance
Embolo thanked the coaching staff, teammates, families, and the entire Swiss nation for their support during the tournament.
That meant more to us than you can imagine.
He also struck a forward-looking note, stating the defeat would not define the team and promising Switzerland would return stronger.
Switzerland deserves great moments, and we will keep fighting to deliver them.
Public reaction
When the national team returned to Switzerland days after the elimination, Embolo emerged from the aircraft wearing a cap and raised hood. At the official reception on Turbinenplatz in Zurich, thousands of fans greeted the squad with placards signalling their support for him. Observers noted he appeared somewhat more relaxed at that event, though still wearing a cap and sunglasses.
