Everything was going well for Switzerland against Argentina, until the 72nd minute. Xhaka and his team had restored parity in the World Cup quarter-finals, while an incredible simulation by Embolo cost Switzerland dearly.
The “Mistaken Identity” rule became a factor in the fate of the challenge, while it was VAR that intervened and honored Argentina. Paredes was initially punished with a yellow card for a clear simulation of Embolo. The latter had already received a yellow card.
The referee made a mistake on the field, which is why VAR intervened. After reviewing the case, Embolo received a second yellow card and was sent off. However, FIFA regulations leave room for interpretation.
"When the referee gives a yellow or red card but it is clear that he has penalised the wrong player from one of the teams for the offence in question, the offence itself cannot be reviewed, except in cases relating to mistaken identity," the new FIFA regulations state.
It remains debatable whether it is a case of "mistaken identity". In fact, it looks more like a mistake by the referee on the field, who was fooled by the simulation. More precisely, the player was not confused, but a wrong decision was made and a yellow card was unfairly given. Therefore, it is viewed with concern, since this way VAR can intervene even for the smallest mistakes.
Embolo left in tears. It was too late for the fatal mistake, and Switzerland surrendered only after extra time.
It should be said that a similar situation was seen in the US's challenge against Paraguay. However, the controversy is only created because of Argentina.
