Portugal duo Bruno Fernandes and Pepe were furious with the performance of Argentina referee Facundo Tello in their defeat to Morocco.
In another shock in this year's World Cup, Morocco produced another incredible performance to reach the semi-finals. A first-half header from Youssef En-Nesyri was enough to make Morocco the first African side in history to reach the final four of the tournament.
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Youssef En-Nesyri was the Moroccan match-winner as his emphatic header sent Morocco through to the World Cup semi-final.
📺 Watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer: https://t.co/1CdVcPaz8Z#FifaWorldCup #RTEsoccer #MARPOR pic.twitter.com/Tus0mk9LjV— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 10, 2022
While Portugal, and indeed Pepe, had chances to draw level, it wasn't to be as the star-studded side fell short.
For the likes of Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo, it was the final chance to win the World Cup. It was likely the last game for Portugal for the 39-year-old centre-back.
Pepe probably had this on his mind through the tournament. Like so many big names, such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Eden Hazard, this was the final shot at glory for their nation.
Emotions were clearly running very high for Pepe after the final whistle, who was furious with the referee after today's defeat. The Porto defender claimed that FIFA were bias to Argentina following their victory over the Netherlands last night.
It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee administered the game today after what happened yesterday.
With Messi complaining and Argentina talking. I’m not saying it’s conditional, but what did we play in the second half?
Their goalkeeper was always stopped, only added eight minutes of injury time. After what I saw today, they can now give the title to Argentina."
With Portugal and Argentina kept apart until the final, the world was anticipating a match up between two of the greatest players of all time in the biggest stage of world football.
This also didn't sit well with Bruno Fernandes, who claimed a referee from Argentina shouldn't have been involved given they are still in the tournament.
I don't know if they're going to give the cup to Argentina. I don't care, I'm going to say what I think and screw them. "It's very strange that a referee from a team that whistles us it's still in the Cup. They've clearly tilted the field against us."
It's quite strong accusations from the Portugal pair, especially given the referee's performance in Argentina's victory over the Netherlands.
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