The world champions, Germany, reached the Confederations Cup semi-final on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over a Cameroon side reduced to 10 men after further confusion with experimental video replays. Germany were leading through Kerem Demirbay’s strike when a case of mistaken identity halfway through the second half – which replays were meant to eradicate – left Cameroon bemused and irritated.

Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan consulted the VAR after a high challenge by Mabouka on Germany’s Emre Can led to Cameroon captain Siani wrongfully receiving a yellow card. However, the initial outcome was to switch the colour of Siani’s card to red.

It was only after Cameroon’s players insisted he review the incident again that he realised his error, rescinded Siani’s dismissal and sending off the correct culprit Mabouka. “The referee didn’t give any explanation,” said Cameroon coach Hugo Broos.

“First of all he gave a red card against Siani, then the video ref called him back and told him it was the wrong player, so Mabouka was sent off.

“Both players [Can and Mabouka] had their legs high, so I don’t see why he had to give a red card. I think everyone is confused

“I didn’t understand it and I still don’t understand it now.

“I think this is something for the referee. He and he alone can explain what happened in that incident.”

As Group B winners, Germany will face Mexico in the last four in Sochi, Russia.

Portugal will play Chile in the other semi-final.

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