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- Did Argentina receive favorable calls? Murat Yakin blasts referee and VAR after Switzerland's exit
Did Argentina receive favorable calls? Murat Yakin blasts referee and VAR after Switzerland's exit
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin made strong comments following his team's defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin made strong comments following his team's defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
One day after the elimination, Yakin said Switzerland had to battle not only the reigning world champions, but also the atmosphere inside the stadium and the officiating.
"We played against Argentina, the referee and VAR"
Speaking alongside Swiss Football Association president Peter Knäbel and national team director Pierluigi Tami, Yakin did not hide his frustration.
"We didn't just play against a great Argentina side and the world champions. We also played against 70,000 Argentine fans, the referee and VAR."
The Swiss coach was especially unhappy with the dismissal of Breel Embolo.
"I think it's an unnecessary rule."
Switzerland calls for consistency
While Peter Knäbel also questioned the officiating, he stressed that Switzerland was not trying to make excuses.
"We don't want to be sore losers."
Knäbel admitted the disappointment of the elimination but praised the team's performance.
"We're sad. That's understandable the day after the match. But above all, we're proud."
National team director Pierluigi Tami echoed that message.
"We have to be proud of the way our team represented us at such an important tournament."
Switzerland exits with pride
Despite their frustration with the refereeing decisions, Switzerland's coaching staff emphasized their pride in the team's World Cup campaign.
Argentina advanced to the semifinals, while Switzerland left the tournament with praise for its performances and lingering questions about the officiating in the quarterfinal.
