Bellingham hits back at Tuchel, Switzerland rage over unprecedented VAR decision | OneFootball

World Cup drama reached new heights as England and Argentina booked their places in the semi-finals, although not without controversy.

The latest flashpoints only added to the growing debate over refereeing decisions that has followed this tournament from the outset, and there’s no time to catch your breath.

Trouble in paradise?

England clinched a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the quarter-final, coming from behind to set up a heavyweight semi-final tie against reigning champions Argentina.

Jude Bellingham was the architect of England’s comeback. After scoring a brilliant equaliser on the stroke of half-time, the Real Madrid midfielder pounced on Orjan Nyland’s error to send the Vikings home.

Despite steering the Three Lions within distance of their first World Cup triumph since 1966, Thomas Tuchel was unhappy with his side’s performance at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

Asked in what sense he wasn’t satisfied, Tuchel replied: “In every sense. The commitment is there. We made life very difficult with how we played – sloppy, not enough precision, not enough repetitions, lots of technical mistakes.”

However, Bellingham and Tuchel don’t see eye to eye. Interviewed by The Telegraph, the 23-year-old slammed the former Chelsea manager over his post-match criticism.

“Whatever,” Bellingham said. “It’s difficult out there; it’s a tough shift. My thoughts and appreciation go to the players who are out there, putting in a great shift out there.”

Whether the disagreement is merely a heat-of-the-moment reaction or something deeper remains to be seen.

However, a public rift between their manager and star player is the last thing England need ahead of their clash against the world champions.

Tuchel will need all hands on deck if he is to end Lionel Messi’s dream of captaining Argentina to back-to-back titles.

Swiss star lashes out at VAR after ‘mistaken identity’ scandal

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a controversial 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland in Kansas City.

Referee Joao Pinheiro made headlines for all the wrong reasons after sending off Breel Embolo midway through the second half.

Pinheiro’s dubious call forced Murat Yakin’s side to play with a man down for 67 minutes, derailing their hopes of progressing from their first quarter-final tie since 1954.

Only five minutes after Switzerland had levelled the score, the Rennes striker received a highly contentious second yellow card for simulation, which ultimately condemned his team to a heartbreaking loss.

Pinheiro initially booked Leandro Paredes for what appeared to be a clear foul on Embolo, but the Portuguese referee overturned his decision after VAR’s intervention.

VAR officials were reviewing the tape for ‘mistaken identity,’ suggesting the wrong player had received a yellow card, only to conclude that Embolo had thrown himself to the ground in an attempt to win a foul.

After review, Pinheiro withdrew Paredes’ booking and gave Embolo his marching orders, applying the new World Cup rules on simulation. It was the moment that turned the game on its head.

Veteran midfielder Remo Freuler lost his temper after the final whistle.

“It’s just a disaster,” he said. “I don’t know what this referee is doing here.

“I don’t know, I don’t understand why they call it for a situation like this, because there were many fouls, including in the first half; maybe he also has to call them for a yellow card.

“So I don’t understand. How can a VAR change a game with this situation?”

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France’s bid to become just the third team in World Cup history to reach three consecutive finals faces a formidable task in the shape of defending European champions Spain.

Although both sides boast a wealth of attacking potential, Les Bleus have been far more prolific in the final third than their upcoming rivals, scoring 16 goals to La Furia Roja’s 11.

However, Luis de la Fuente’s charges have excelled defensively, conceding just a single goal on their way to the semi-finals to protect the 65-year-old’s unbeaten record across major tournaments.

Spain’s hopes of reaching only their second World Cup final may rest on whether their steely defence can withstand France’s free-flowing frontline.

However, keeping Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise quiet will be easier said than done.