Argentina’s World Cup quarterfinal clash with Switzerland on Sunday didn’t come without its own drama, and former NFL star Pat McAfee was left stunned by one of the game’s most controversial moments.
The incident happened when referee João Pinheiro initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for a challenge on Switzerland striker Breel Embolo. After a recommendation from the video assistant referee (VAR), Pinheiro reviewed the play on the pitch and overturned his original decision, ruling that Embolo had simulated the foul instead.
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As a result, Paredes’ yellow card was rescinded and shown to Embolo for simulation. Because it was Embolo’s second booking of the game, the Swiss forward was sent off, dramatically shifting the momentum in Argentina’s favor.
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McAfee was very active on X throughout the game. He shared a number of other short reactions as the drama unfolded.
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Following one of the match’s biggest VAR moments, McAfee wrote:
“VAR IS FOCKING CRAAAAAZY.”
He also posted two other reactions during the game:
“What the f*ck.”
“Man… that’s TOUGH.”
McAfee’s “that’s tough” post appeared to be a reaction to Switzerland’s misfortune after the controversial VAR decision.
The Swiss were level at 1-1 and had started to mount pressure on Lionel Messi and co. before Breel Embolo’s dismissal forced them to play with 10 men for more than an hour against Argentina. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Switzerland held firm deep into extra time before the defending world champions finally found the breakthrough.
Julián Álvarez curled a superb strike into the top corner in the 112th minute to give Argentina a 2-1 lead. Lautaro Martínez then added a second in the final minute of extra time after a swift counterattack to seal a dramatic 3–1 victory.
The hard-fought and controversial win sends Argentina into a blockbuster World Cup semifinal against England.
Pat McAfee wasn’t also happy with one VAR decision in England’s win over Norway
England’s World Cup quarterfinal against Norway also produced its share of drama, with several controversial moments keeping fans talking.
One incident, in particular, caught the attention of Pat McAfee. Early in the second half, Norway thought it had taken the lead, only for the goal to be ruled out after the referee determined there had been a foul in the buildup to the corner kick from which the goal was scored.
Officials determined that Erling Haaland had committed a foul on England’s Elliott Anderson before the corner kick that eventually led to Norway finding the net. After a VAR review, the goal was ruled out.
Many fans argued the contact was too minimal to warrant disallowing the goal. McAfee also seemed unconvinced, posting on X:
“VAR is rather wild.”
England eventually won the game. Jude Bellingham netted his second goal of the game in extra time to lift the Three Lions to a 2-1 win and a place in the World Cup semifinals.
Edited by Habib Timileyin