Switzerland striker Breel Embolo is shown a second yellow card by referee Joao Pinheiro for simulation. AFPInfoStriker sent off for simulation minutes after Switzerland had drawn level as world champions win 3-1 in extra timeJulian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time to send Argentina through to a World Cup semi-final showdown with England, but their win over Switzerland again found them at the centre of controversy after a series of key decisions went in favour of the world champions.Argentina led through Alexis Mac Allister's first-half header, but Switzerland grabbed a deserved equaliser on 67 minutes courtesy of Dan Ndoye.Minutes later, a piece of World Cup history was created as Leandro Paredes was the beneficiary of mistaken identity. A VAR review showed the Argentina midfielder was innocent of tripping Breel Embolo. Paredes had his yellow rescinded by referee Joao Pinheiro and, having already been booked, Embolo was cautioned a second time for simulation and sent off.Argentina entered the game under a cloud after the Egyptian Football Association accused match officials and Fifa of bias towards the world champions following Tuesday's 3-2 defeat in the last 16. Switzerland will have similar sentiments. The 50-50 calls seemed to favour Argentina, although Embolo's second yellow card did appear to be the correct decision, even if he didn't intentionally attempt to win a foul.With penalties looking likely, Alvarez pulled off a world-class strike and with Switzerland pushing players forward for an equaliser, Martinez was on hand to slot home a rebound for Argentina to prevail 3-1 and keep their World Cup title defence on track.More to follow ...Updated: July 12, 2026, 3:46 AM