{"id":187342,"date":"2026-07-13T21:10:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T01:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nuevaonda.com\/did-they-give-argentina-an-advantage-controversy-erupts-over-var-on-los-jefes\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T21:10:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T01:10:39","slug":"did-they-give-argentina-an-advantage-controversy-erupts-over-var-on-los-jefes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nuevaonda.com\/en\/did-they-give-argentina-an-advantage-controversy-erupts-over-var-on-los-jefes\/","title":{"rendered":"Did They Give Argentina an Advantage? Controversy Erupts Over VAR on “Los Jefes”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did the Argentine national team advance on its own merit or thanks to a favorable VAR call? That\u2019s the question at the heart of the latest episode of *Los Jefes Deportes*, the sports analysis podcast from Nueva Network and Nueva Onda, where \u00c1lvaro Morales and a panel of renowned journalists and former soccer players engage in one of the most intense debates of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. You can listen to the podcast HERE<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Titled “Did They Favor Argentina? VAR Sparks the Hottest Debate of the 2026 World Cup,” the episode centers on the controversial red card Switzerland received during their quarterfinal match against Argentina\u2014a refereeing decision that changed the course of the game and, according to several panel members, ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the Albiceleste.<\/p>\n

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Argentina and VAR Under the Microscope by Los Jefes<\/h2>\n
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PHOTO: Nueva Onda<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From the very start of the program, \u00c1lvaro Morales harshly criticizes the referee’s performance and argues that the VAR protocol was applied incorrectly.<\/p>\n

The commentator argues that the review of the player\u2019s mistaken identity should not have resulted in a second yellow card and the subsequent ejection of the Swiss player, and therefore believes that Argentina\u2019s advancement was marred by yet another refereeing controversy.<\/p>\n

One of the key moments in the episode is the detailed analysis of the rules. Morales cites the official protocol to argue that the review should have been used solely to correct the identity of the penalized player and not to alter the disciplinary nature of the play. <\/p>\n

From that point on, a lively exchange of views took place among the panel members.<\/p>\n

While some believe the referee acted contrary to the spirit of the rules, others argue that the updated protocol for 2026 allows for this type of VAR intervention under certain circumstances.<\/p>\n

The debate pits Morales against Dionisio Estrada and Jes\u00fas Barr\u00f3n in particular, who offer different interpretations of how the rules should be applied and the referee’s discretion.<\/p>\n

Does Argentina impress on the soccer field?<\/h2>\n

Beyond the controversy surrounding the referees, the panel also analyzes the performance of the national team coached by Lionel Scaloni.<\/p>\n

Rodrigo “Pony” Ruiz, a legendary former Chilean soccer player and a leading figure in Liga MX, believes that Argentina has a solid defense but relies too heavily on Lionel Messi to create scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n

In addition, Juli\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez has emerged as one of the tournament’s most influential players.<\/p>\n

The panelists agree that England poses the biggest challenge for Argentina in the semifinals and that the English team has the better case on the field, although they acknowledge the mental toughness that the Albiceleste has historically demonstrated in World Cups.<\/p>\n

A panel with international experience<\/h2>\n