On one side stand the 2022 World Cup champions and three-time winners Argentina, proudly holding up pamphlets bearing the slogan "Us against the world" in bold red. On the other stand, well, the representatives of the other 47 teams at the tournament.

Critics blasted Argentina for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, cementing the country's status as World Cup villain that grew throughout the tournament.

The holders' passage to Thursday's semifinal against England has been accompanied by repeated complaints from opponents over refereeing decisions, amid social media speculation the tournament has favoured Lionel Messi's side.

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin described the rule behind Breel Embolo sending off as “unacceptable” after Argentina scored twice in extra time to end the Swiss fairytale World Cup run with a 3-1 quarter-final victory on Saturday.

As for France’s appeal to have Michael Olise’s yellow card against Paraguay rescinded, Deschamps said FIFA had informed them that the caution would stand.

It was a blockbuster drama that may have been headlined by the icons, but was ultimately decided by an ensemble of supporting cast.

Under FIFA's Law 11, because an offside player gained an unfair advantage by initiating that secondary goal-line chaos, the phase of play was corrupted from its very inception. Consequently, the referee had no choice but to disallow Khalilzadeh's subsequent low finish.

Lionel Messi’s first World Cup hattrick saw him equal Miroslav Klose’s record 16 goals, but his landmark display was overshadowed by debate over a controversial challenge.

The flashpoint arrived early in the match, when Switzerland were awarded a penalty in the 13th minute following a collision between Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada and Remo Freuler inside the box. Breel Embolo converted from the spot to give the Swiss a 1–0 lead.

The incident began early in the second half during a physical duel between veteran U.S. defender Tim Ream and Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron. Referee Danny Makkelie judged Ream to have committed a heavy foul and immediately issued a yellow card. Play continued without interruption, and Paraguay restarted quickly with a free kick, believing the decision had been fully settled.

VAR's scope has been extended to cover second yellow cards and corners in time for the World Cup after a meeting of football's lawmakers on Saturday.

The Premier League hopes to reduce frustration with the VAR system with the launch of a social media account that will provide near real-time updates and explanations regarding officiating and operational decisions for every match.

"While VAR produces more accurate decision making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters," said a statement issued by English football's top flight.

The Premier League will facilitate a discussion on VAR with clubs at next month's AGM after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a resolution, citing the "negative consequences that damage the relationship between fans and football".

Premier League clubs will be given the chance to scrap VAR from next season when they vote on the controversial review system at their annual general meeting next month.

"The referee is unbelievable and it's ridiculous. It is difficult to accept," Pochettino said.

Laporta demanded the Spanish football federation and the refereeing committee send Barcelona all footage of the incident and audio recordings of the officials' conversations.

"The technology will provide quicker and consistent placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and will produce high-quality broadcast graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters," a Premier League statement said.

Like Xavi, Almeria coach Garitano refrained himself from dissecting the refereeing decisions.

Aston Villa missed the chance to go top of the Premier League, with manager Unai Emery proclaiming VAR was "too much" after Nicolo Zaniolo's late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Sheffield United on Friday.