Breel Embolo opens up on World Cup dismissal as Atlanta United move begins

Breel Embolo has recalled the anger and pain within Switzerland’s camp after his controversial red card against Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final, warning that players cannot assume another opportunity at international football’s biggest stage will come four years later.

The forward was sent off in the second half after being shown a second yellow card for simulation during a match Argentina eventually won 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City.

Switzerland had just levelled the game at 1-1 when the incident occurred. The referee initially awarded Embolo a free-kick and booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, but VAR advised the official to review the decision.

Replays appeared to show there had been no contact between Paredes and Embolo. Following the review, the referee cancelled Paredes’ booking and instead gave Embolo a second yellow card and then a red for diving.

The decision became one of the most prominent and widely discussed incidents of the tournament. Embolo, who has since joined Atlanta United from Rennes in a deal reported to be worth about $18m by The Athletic, said the Swiss players believed they could have won had they remained at full strength.

“As players, we felt huge anger because we knew we could win if we continued the game with 11 players. Of course, that moment affected me and hurt the team, and that is always the most important thing. In the end, the referee made his decision, and mistakes are part of sport,” Embolo said at his unveiling as an Atlanta United player.

Twelve days after the World Cup final, the International Football Association Board issued a clarification confirming that the “mistaken identity” protocol should not be used in cases involving alleged simulation.

Asked whether that clarification had changed his view of the dismissal, Embolo was unequivocal.

“No, we lost completely and I am a competitive person who does not accept defeat,” he said.

“When you realise how difficult it is to reach those stages and build a united group, it becomes very hard to accept the decision. The difficulty is not whether it was a red card or not, but that the next opportunity may not come for four years, and nobody can guarantee the future.”

Embolo’s reaction as he left the field became one of the lasting images of the World Cup. The Switzerland forward was overcome with tears and could not be consoled, while the dismissal had a clear effect on the course of the match.

The 27-year-old is now back in the United States to continue his club career with Atlanta United. The Major League Soccer side are 12th in the Eastern Conference this season, although they have recently put together a run of three consecutive victories.

Embolo admitted the move had not been part of his plans a few months ago, but said Atlanta United’s belief in both his footballing ability and his character had proved decisive.

“Four months ago, I did not expect to be here today, but the decision was decisive for me. The management at Atlanta know my abilities as a player and my personality closely. I think the league is developing significantly if we look at the level of the United States national team we faced last year. Development takes time, and although I know football does not give you much of it, I am excited about this experience,” he said.

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