There have been plenty of conspiracy theories when it comes to Argentina making it all the way to the final of the World Cup, and almost winning it despite a dismal showing against Spain in the showpiece event in New Jersey.

The South American side were very fortunate in their last 16 clash with Egypt to see an incredible Egyptian goal ruled out for a foul that took place long before the goal was scored, way back near the Argentina goalline.

There were then plenty of complaints during the semi-final match with England that Argentina stars were not punished with yellow cards for some less than savoury tackles. The South Americans then took that mindset into the final against Spain, with 25 fouls committed and just two shots – both coming in extra-time after they were 1-0 down.

Argentina got a major helping hand in the quarter-final too

Denny Medley (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

And another decision in an Argentina match in the lead-up to the final is now under review by football’s lawmakers IFAB (International Football Association Board).

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-final after extra-time, but they did so against ten men after Swiss star Breel Embolo had been sent off in the second half for a second yellow card.

That second yellow card came after a VAR overturn of a decision. On-field referee Joao Pinheiro had initially deemed that Leandro Paredes had fouled Embolo, with a free-kick going Switzerland’s way.

However, after looking at replays, VAR suggested Pinheiro overturn the decision with no contact being made on the Swiss player and therefore no foul being committed.

As a result, Embolo was booked for simulation and it being his second yellow card he was sent off, leading to Swiss head coach Murat Yakin to admit that it “destroyed our game”.

IFAB to conduct review into VAR protocol

Lisi Niesner via Reuters

Now, IFAB have said that the mistaken identity clause should only be used to identify the player who committed an offence rather than the offence itself being reviewed or changed, like with simulation. That would mean Embolo should not have seen red.

In a statement, IFAB said: “A yellow card (caution) which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed/changed.

“The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the World Cup was well received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol announced in circular no. 32. However, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded.”

Argentina certainly got the rub of the green on their run to the final.

Cristian Romero played a big role for his country in what, ultimately, was disappointment at the World Cup.

Argentina came in for major criticism for the way they went about things in the semi-final with England and the final against Spain, but the Tottenham captain impressed at the heart of defence.

He notably scored La Albiceleste’s first goal that sparked a 3-2 win over Egypt on Tuesday after initially trailing 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining.

Now the centre-back’s World Cup participation is at an end, Romero’s Tottenham future has become a huge talking point amid the possibility of a summer exit with Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and now Inter Milan heavily linked with signing the 28-year-old. Reports on social media on Monday suggested that the “basic framework of an agreement” was in place with Inter for a €40million (£34million) deal.

What next for Tottenham and Romero?

Romero, described by Lionel Messi before as the “best defender in the world”, has been linked with a transfer away from Tottenham in previous summers but he has so far remained in N17.

However, this could finally be the year the club cash in on him after strengthening their backline with the summer additions of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi.

In an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT, former Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel gave his thoughts on what comes next for the World Cup winner.

“I think so,” said the ex-goalkeeper on whether this is the summer where Romero heads for pastures new. “You know he’s had some interesting moments at Tottenham both on and off the pitch. For whatever reason, I don’t know if he plays brilliantly for Argentina, although they’re leaking a few goals this World Cup.

“His attitude at times with Tottenham, I think he was one of the issues over the last couple of seasons, which is a shame, not, you know, one of the solutions. So I can fully understand the club wanting to part ways, and I fully understand why they’ve brought other players in.”

There will be a new-look defence at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

It has been all change in the heart of defence for Roberto De Zerbi so far this summer.

Spending £52million on the addition of van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, Senesi, Romero’s Argentina teammate, has also moved to the club on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

Radu Dragusin departed Tottenham after two-and-a-half years in north London to join Fiorentina on loan for the 2026/27 season.

The Romanian’s move to Florence will become permanent if specific performance-based criteria are met due to an obligation in the agreement struck between the clubs.

Another defender who also headed to exit door was Luka Vuskovic, despite never playing a senior game for Tottenham, with the Croat completing a £46million move to Brighton that could rise to £50million with add-ons.

As things stand, Tottenham have Romero, Senesi, Van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Ashley Phillips as centre-back options.

There is expected to be some more movement there before the summer transfer window closes, with Romero a possible outgoing if Spurs believe the time is right to sell their captain.

Brad Friedel was speaking in association with Tonybet. Tonybet’s World Cup Card Collection campaign can see Canadian customers win up to $150,000 CAD.