Portugal star Bruno Fernandes questioned the appointment of an Argentine referee for their 1-0 quarterfinal defeat to Morocco. As Portugal’s World Cup run came to an end thanks to Youssef El Nesyri’s winner, they became the first African nation to get to the semifinals. After Argentina’s players criticized officials after their quarterfinal victory over the Netherlands on Friday, Pepe appeared to lose control during the post-game interviews and questioned why an Argentinean referee was given the game. Pepe missed a glorious opportunity to level the game in extra time.
“I will have to make the statement. It’s improper that an Argentine referee is overseeing our match. Following what transpired yesterday with Messi talking, Argentina as a whole talking, and the referee arriving here,” Portugal star Bruno Fernandes said. “In the second half, what games did we play? The keeper of the net fell to the ground. Only eight minutes were allotted for pause. The referee gave us eight minutes after all our effort. In the second half, we didn’t play any games. We were the only football squad playing. We’re down. We had the talent to win the World Cup, but we were unable to do it.”
En-Nesyri capitalized on Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s error to score a historic goal for Walid Regragui’s team and the entire African continent.
“Grasp my hand, I’m dreaming,” Yassine Bounou said. “Morocco is prepared to take on any opponent. The next generation’s mindset has been altered by us. They will be aware of Moroccan players’ miraculous abilities.”
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