Give Argentina the World Cup now Bitter Portugal stars blame referee after Morocco loss

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Portuguese defender Pepe argues with the referee Credit: Alamy

Portuguese duo Bruno Fernandes and Pepe have questioned why FIFA allowed an Argentinian referee to officiate their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco.

Fernando Santos’ side were the latest team to be on the wrong side of an upset with Youssef En-Nesyris in the first half sending the African nation into the semi-finals.

It is a historic victory for Morocco, which became the first African country to reach the last four of a World Cup.

They fully deserved the win as they produced another scalp after topping a group with Croatia and Belgium, before beating Spain on penalties in the round of 16.

Anyway, less about the brilliance of Morocco, and more about the bitterness of Portugal.

Argentinian referee Facundo Tello officiated the match between Portugal and Morocco and was criticized by Pepe and Fernandes.

After the fiery match which saw 17 yellow cards between Argentina and the Netherlands, Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz was heavily criticized by Lionel Messi and Emi Martinez.

And with Argentina advancing to the semi-finals and now the favorites to win it all, Fernandes said it was very strange to see an Argentine officiating his match.

I don’t know if they will give the cup to Argentina, said Fernandes.

I will say what I think. It’s very strange that a referee from a team that still participates in the World Cup is in charge.

Defender Pepe was unimpressed by the referee after Portugal fell and Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears in what will likely be his last World Cup final.

Pepe spat out the dummy and said FIFA might as well give Argentina the title now.

He said: It is unacceptable that an Argentinian 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? Anything.

Their goalkeeper was always stopped, only added eight minutes of added time

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After what I saw today, they can now give the title to Argentina.

Bernardo Silva was obviously upset to lose, but knows his side didn’t do enough to earn a place in the last four.

It was a really tough match, against a competitive and aggressive team, Silva said.

It is a feeling of disappointment, of sadness. Our spirit was great, we felt we could make the semis. I apologize to the Portuguese people. Morocco are in the semi-finals because they deserve it.

Coach Santos’ future is now in doubt after the 2016 European Championship winners were eliminated by Morocco. His current contract expires in 2024.

When asked if he was going to continue, Santos replied: Well, talk about it.

We took a long time to get into the game, especially the first half, we couldn’t start our game, although we had a few chances, but the players worked hard.

Does it hurt more against Morocco? It hurts to get out of the World Cup, no matter who the opponent is.

READ MORE: Brazil count World Cup years hurt as roadshow slumps again at first sign of pressure

The article Give Argentina the World Cup now Bitter Portugal stars blame referee after Morocco defeat appeared first on Football365.com.

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