Breel Embolo's World Cup journey ended in heartbreak on Saturday, but not because of a missed tackle or a poor touch. A controversial second yellow card for simulation turned a tight quarter-final against Argentina on its head, leaving Switzerland's dream of a first semi-final appearance in ruins. The 3-1 extra-time defeat marked a bitter conclusion to a tournament that had already tested the forward's resilience before it began. Main Developments Embolo became the first player in 20 years to be sent off at a World Cup for a second yellow card for diving, after Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro consulted VAR in the 72nd minute. Initially, Pinheiro booked Argentina's Leandro Paredes for fouling Embolo, but the review determined the Swiss player had simulated contact. Under FIFA's mistaken identity protocol, Paredes' yellow was rescinded and transferred to Embolo, who had already been cautioned in the 44th minute for fouling Paredes. The resulting second yellow meant an immediate dismissal. At the time of the red card, Switzerland held momentum after Dan Ndoye's equaliser had cancelled out an early Argentine goal. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin revealed he was preparing an attacking substitution when the decision changed everything. "We were punished because of a rule that, in my opinion, is completely unacceptable," Yakin said. "This rule destroyed our game today." Read also: 4 moments that decided England's 2-1 World Cup win over Norway Playing with 10 men, Switzerland retreated, and Argentina exploited the extra space. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored deep in extra time to seal the win. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side got lucky. "The truth is that luck was on our side today," he said. Background Embolo's tournament began in uncertainty after a visa delay related to a 2018 legal case in Basel forced him to miss Switzerland's flight to California. U.S. authorities requested additional checks before he received clearance to join the squad. He had scored against Qatar in the group stage and Algeria in the round of 32 before the quarter-final. The mistaken identity rule had been applied earlier in the group stage, when Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was booked for diving after a VAR intervention in a 4-1 loss to the United States. Embolo is only the fourth player on record to receive a second yellow card for simulation at a World Cup, and the first since Ghana's Asamoah Gyan against Brazil in 2006. Why It Matters The decision effectively ended Switzerland's best chance at a World Cup semi-final, a milestone the nation has never achieved. Former Manchester City striker Bradley Wright-Phillips offered little sympathy. "I feel for Embolo's teammates, I don't feel for him," he said. "He has cost his team maybe getting through to the semi-finals." The incident also reignites debate over VAR's role in punishing simulation, particularly when a mistaken identity correction leads to a dismissal that alters a knockout match. What's Next Switzerland must regroup without Embolo for their next competitive matches, though the forward will likely remain a key figure if he avoids further disciplinary action. Argentina advance to the semi-finals, where they will face either Brazil or Germany. FIFA's protocol for correcting mistaken identity on yellow cards will continue to draw scrutiny, particularly if similar incidents occur in high-stakes matches.