Referee initially cautioned Argentina player before VAR review gave yellow to Switzerland's Embolo for simulation, resulting in red card

Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off during a World Cup match against Argentina on July 12 after receiving a second yellow card for simulation, ESPN reported. Referee João Pedro Silva Pinheiro initially cautioned Argentina's Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Embolo.

VAR official Guillermo Pacheco Larios reviewed the play and recommended the card be rescinded from Paredes and issued instead to Embolo.

Embolo had already been shown a yellow card earlier in the match, so the new caution resulted in a red card and ejection. The decision followed VAR protocol that permits an on-field review when clear video evidence shows the referee cautioned the wrong player from the wrong team in a specific incident.

A similar mistaken-identity review occurred earlier in the tournament during the United States versus Paraguay match.

In that game, Tim Ream's yellow card was removed and given to Paraguay's Miguel Almirón for diving. On July 7, Egypt's goal by Mostafa Ziko against Argentina was disallowed after VAR review for a foul by Egypt defender Marwan Attia on Argentina's Lisandro Martínez. Referee François Letexier and VAR Jerome Brisard handled that match at the 62-minute mark.

FIFA stated there is no evidence the ball hit a wire in England's goal during a separate World Cup match.