Bruno Fernandes hit out at the decision to appoint an Argentinian referee to Portugal's World Cup quarter-final against Morocco following their defeat, claiming: "They have clearly tilted the field against us".
Portugal were eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the tournament for the first time as Youssef En-Nesyri headed home the only goal of the game in the first half.
However, the performance of referee Facundo Tello was criticised by Portugal's players after the game, in which Fernandes was denied a penalty when he went down under a challenge from Achraf Hakimi.
Defender Pepe described Tello's appointment as "unacceptable" after Portugal's loss, and Fernandes concurred.
"I don't know if they are going to give the cup to Argentina. I'm going to say what I think and f*** them," Fernandes told reporters at the Al Thumama Stadium.
"It's very strange that a referee from a team that's still in the tournament referees us. They have clearly tilted the field against us.
"These referees do not officiate in the Champions League. They are not used to this type of game and this pace.
"In the first half there is a clear penalty on me, without any doubt. Never in my life have I let myself fall when I was alone with the goalkeeper and could shoot at the goal."
Meanwhile, Portugal's World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by speculation concerning the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, who saw his Manchester United contract terminated last month after criticising the club in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Fernandes refuted the suggestion the talk surrounding Ronaldo had negatively impacted Portugal, saying: "Perhaps because of who he is, people click more often on his news.
"It wasn't for that reason that the team didn't go further. We simply couldn't beat Morocco."
Reflecting on Portugal's campaign in Qatar, Fernandes insisted there had been no issue with their application, preferring to credit Morocco's defensive organisation.
"There are some other teams that could be in the semi-finals," he said. "We had quality and commitment to go further. This was not lacking, but unfortunately football has these moments.
"It is very difficult and sad to accept this. I can't say anything about my team-mates. They've all been fantastic since the beginning of the tournament.
"It is very difficult to express in words. It is a difficult and sad moment for us. We had the ambition and quality for more. There is always something else that we can leave on the field.
"But I repeat, the delivery and commitment was total. The big difference was that we couldn't score goals, and they knew how to defend very well."
Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou hopes the Atlas Lions' "miracle" run to the World Cup semi-finals convinces future generations of Moroccan talent to no longer have an inferiority complex.
After eliminating Spain on penalties in the last 16, Morocco arguably produced an even bigger shock as Walid Regragui's men beat Portugal 1-0 at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half header proved decisive, ensuring Morocco became the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.
While En-Nesyri's goal was ultimately crucial, Morocco would not have held on were it not for the heroics of Bounou in net; his saves from Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo in the latter stages helped them cling on to their famous result, also earning him the Player of the Match award.
Unsurprisingly, the Sevilla goalkeeper was in a state of jubilant shock, but he and the team want their run to inspire greater belief for the next generation.
Bounou, who earned his 50th cap on Saturday, told reporters: "We're in the same state as you are. Pinch me, I think I'm dreaming!
"But as our coach said, we're here to change the mentality. This feeling of inferiority we've had, we need to get rid of it.
"A Moroccan player can face anyone in the world.
"The most important thing is we’ve changed this mentality and the generation coming after us will now know a Moroccan team can create miracles.
"It's really, really hard to find the words to describe this moment. All our team, the supporters on our backs, this is all I have.
"All the players put in a stellar performance. We had injuries, all the players on the pitch were at the highest level. It's hard to describe such a joy."
Bounou was also keen not to take too much of the glory for himself after earning the gong for the match's best player, having become the first African goalkeeper to keep three clean sheets at a single World Cup.
And it was not the award itself that filled him with pride, rather the expectation that Moroccans will see him as a beacon of hope en route to the top of the game.
"I got this award because I have great players with me. All of them, all of them on the pitch are fantastic," he continued.
"When someone hears about a Moroccan player, they might know now that they can actually play at the highest level. This is what makes me proud."
When having his photo shoot with the Player of the Match trophy, Bounou invited match-winner En-Nesyri in with him, even passing the prize to his colleague.
The two are club-mates at Sevilla, where En-Nesyri has struggled for form over the past 18 months – in fact, his trio of goals in Qatar is three more than he has managed in LaLiga this season.
Despite En-Nesyri's problems at club level, Regragui insists he never lost faith in the striker.
"I've always believed in Youssef. Even Moroccan journalists criticised me when I defended him, but he's here," Regragui said.
"I accepted the criticism and I said to him he is a top player. He's the top scorer in history for Morocco at the World Cup.
"I told him, the answer is on the pitch. This is going to be a lesson in the future. Coaches have reasons for choices and I've always believed in him, because of his energy on the pitch, that's why he plays for Sevilla.
"He's like [Olivier] Giroud for France, he works so hard for the team. Sometimes [these types of strikers] are criticised. He's from Morocco, he trained in Morocco and he's an important player.
"I'm very proud of him. His goal was a sign of destiny."
Fernando Santos has "no regrets" over leaving Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench despite Portugal crashing out of the World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Morocco on Saturday.
Youssef En-Nesyri's header gave Morocco the lead in the 42nd minute, and Santos' Portugal side were unable to break through their opponent's resolute defence as they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage.
Santos left Ronaldo out of the starting XI for the 6-1 thumping of Switzerland in the round of 16, with his replacement Goncalo Ramos scoring a hat-trick.
The head coach omitted Ronaldo once again against Morocco, but this time Ramos failed to make an impact, as Portugal were dumped out despite Ronaldo's introduction shortly into the second half.
Asked if he regretted not starting Ronaldo, Santos told reporters: "No, I don't think so. I have no regrets, no regrets.
"This was a team that played very well against Switzerland. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary. No, I have no regret."
Ronaldo was left on the bench against Switzerland because of his negative reaction to being substituted against South Korea in Portugal's final group game.
The 37-year-old was heavily criticised after the round-of-16 match, but Santos does not feel that fan reaction had any influence on Ronaldo's limited impact against Morocco, after which the forward was shown in tears going down the tunnel.
"I do not think that the criticism he faced had any impact on the match," Santos added. "We have always been a team that is very united.
"If we take two people that were the most upset about the game, perhaps it was Cristiano and myself. We are upset of course, it affects us, but it's part of the game as a coach and a player."
Santos' contract as Portugal boss is due to expire in 2024, but it is rumoured he may resign after this World Cup exit.
Santos was asked whether he would quit as Portugal boss, to which he replied: "I have already discussed this with the president.
"Since 2014 the possibility of resignation has been discussed. This word is not part of our vocabulary.
"We did not go as far as we wanted, it's sad. Our team has great quality, we could have played better but there were games where we needed a touch of luck. That did not happen."
Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears as he left the World Cup stage for surely the final time after Portugal's trophy hopes were scuppered by Morocco.
The 37-year-old, who can turn his attentions towards finding a new club, came to Qatar with dreams of a glorious farewell to the tournament he has graced five times.
Morocco were having none of that narrative, though, and their 1-0 victory at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday made them Africa's first World Cup semi-finalists.
Ronaldo's pain was obvious, and the tears flowed as he was escorted down the tunnel towards Portugal's dressing room.
He made history in Qatar by becoming the first player to score in five World Cup tournaments, having netted in each edition since 2006. That landmark goal was a penalty in the group stage against Ghana.
But for all his achievements in the game, Ronaldo will not go down as a true World Cup great. He had a sensational club career with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, and won the Euro 2016 title with Portugal, but at the World Cup he has never scored in a knockout game. He played eight games beyond the group stage but could not find the back of the net.
Ronaldo will be 41 by the time of the next World Cup, and he is fast declining as a force, so it would be fanciful to even suggest that as a target.
He has spoken about wanting to play on until Euro 2024, but even that may be pushing it, given he is no longer a first-choice selection.
Freed by Manchester United recently after a turbulent start to the second season of his second spell with the Red Devils, it remains to be seen where Ronaldo will continue his career.
Against Morocco, as versus Switzerland at the last-16 stage, Ronaldo was only a substitute. He came off the bench early in the second half of the quarter-final, with Portugal needing a goal, but had just 10 touches of the ball and one shot.
It has reached tributes time for Ronaldo's career, with the FIFA World Cup's Portuguese Twitter page posting: "A myth. A legend. A machine. Thank you @Cristiano"
Pepe has slammed referee Facundo Tello following Portugal's World Cup exit, claiming "it is unacceptable for an Argentine to referee the game."
Fernando Santos' side bowed out in the quarter-finals after becoming Morocco's latest victims; Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half header enough to seal a 1-0 win at Al Thumama Stadium.
The Atlas Lions, who have also beaten Belgium and Spain in Qatar, are the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals, though Pepe was left enraged by the performance of Argentine referee Tello.
This comes less than 24 hours after Lionel Messi heavily criticised Spanish official Antonio Mateu Lahoz following Argentina's shoot-out victory over the Netherlands.
"It is unacceptable for an Argentine to referee the game. I am very sad," he said in quotes reported by O Jogo.
"There were 90 minutes in which they always wanted to stop our game with little fouls - the referee did not give a yellow card, did not call attention.
"After yesterday, with Messi talking, an Argentinian comes and whistles. In the second half, nothing was played, there were only eight [additional] minutes.
"We were always on top. They were lucky enough to score a goal. We worked well and did a lot to win the game."
However, Santos refused to blame Portugal's elimination on Tello, insisting the official did not have a negative influence on his nation's display.
"He could have called fouls in a few plays, but generally speaking, I do not think so," the head coach said during his post-match press conference.
"I think we could have done more, and we failed to do so. I don't think we should blame the referee, it does not make sense. There were a few plays, but honestly, I do not think that's the way to see it."
Football continued to pay its tributes to Grant Wahl on Saturday with flowers laid where the United States journalist would have watched the World Cup quarter-final between England and France.
Wahl suffered a suspected heart attack during Friday's game between Argentina and the Netherlands at Lusail Stadium and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Flowers and a photo of the 48-year-old were placed at his designated desk at Al Bayt Stadium 24 hours later.
The esteem in which Wahl was held has been reflected in the outpouring of tributes on social media throughout the day.
Basketball superstar LeBron James, FIFA president Gianni Infantino and tennis great Billie Jean King were among those to send messages of condolence.
USA captain Tyler Adams also posted his sympathies on behalf of the team.
Gareth Southgate has named an unchanged England team to take on France in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final, resisting the urge to change system to combat the threat of Kylian Mbappe.
Neither England nor France showed any changes from their last-16 wins over Senegal and Poland respectively.
For Didier Deschamps' world champions, there was no surprise, but there had been debate around the potential for Southgate to revert to the back five used previously against top teams.
Having gone with a four-man defence throughout England's run to the last eight, though, Southgate kept faith with that set-up.
There had been a great deal of focus on Kyle Walker's role up against Mbappe at right-back, and both men were included from the start.
The reward for the victors at Al Bayt Stadium would be a clash against surprise semi-finalists Morocco, who defeated Portugal earlier on Saturday to become the first African or Arab side to make the last four of a World Cup.
Brazil's World Cup shoot-out defeat by Croatia brought back memories of Italy's loss to the Selecao on penalties in the 1994 final for former Azzurri boss Arrigo Sacchi.
The five-time champions crashed out in the quarter-finals, as the 2018 finalists held their nerve from 12 yards to prevail 4-2 following a 1-1 draw at Education City Stadium.
Sacchi oversaw Italy's run to the 1994 showpiece at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where Brazil denied them glory on penalties with Franco Baresi and Roberto Baggio notably shooting over the crossbar.
The 76-year-old Sacchi empathises with Tite's side, but also saluted the desire demonstrated by Croatia.
"The Croatians never gave up and hid the ball from the Brazilians," he wrote in his La Gazzetta Dello Sport column. "They were more determined than the Brazilians, who will now understand how much it hurts to lose on penalties.
"Unfortunately, I know something about it and I confess that, by watching the match on TV, I thought about the emotions and feelings of Pasadena in 1994."
Sacchi also offered his thoughts on Argentina's victory over the Netherlands, criticising La Albiceleste's approach after surrendering a 2-0 lead before recovering to prevail on penalties.
"I didn't see much quality in the first half - only when [Lionel] Messi had the ball, the lights turned on," he continued.
"Nobody wanted to take risks with five defenders for Argentina and five for the Netherlands. Van Gaal's teams are usually attacking-minded, but the Dutch were more defensive in this World Cup.
"When Argentina went 2-0 up, Van Gaal threw in his tall strikers, adding centimetres and battling physically. A right move, but Argentina made an unforgivable error. They should not have allowed the Dutch to go close to the goal, and keep a high line."
Dani Alves has thanked outgoing Brazil coach Tite following the Selecao's shock World Cup elimination, declaring: "There are some medals you don't wear on your chest, but on your soul."
The five-time winners succumbed to a surprise quarter-final exit on Friday, losing 4-2 to Croatia in a penalty shoot-out after Bruno Petkovic cancelled out Neymar's opening goal late in extra time.
Alves became Brazil's oldest player to feature at the World Cup during their group-stage defeat to Cameroon earlier this month (aged 39 years and 210 days), but was an unused substitute as Tite's side slipped to a second consecutive last-eight exit.
Tite revealed in February that he would leave his role irrespective of how Brazil's World Cup campaign ended, and despite the pain of Friday's defeat, Alves remains grateful for the 61-year-old's work with the team.
Writing on Instagram alongside an image of the pair embracing, Alves said: "This hug is the purest meaning of what you represent to me and to this group of special human beings.
"Special for their particularities, for their character, for their humility and above all, for the stories of overcoming difficulties and for the great souls that exist behind the small screen.
"There are some medals you don't wear on your chest, but on your soul, and this is one.
"Thank you for teaching us how to be men, children, friends, brothers and human beings. It may be that what we have today has no value, or it may be that there are still beings who still believe how valuable and important it is.
"This is our last trip here, and I can tell you; I would not change a thing. I wish you all the wonderful and purest things in this life and the next.
"May you have the peace that I will also take with me. The peace of duty fulfilled and mission accomplished. The result of a game will never change the score of our lives.
"With great affection and respect, thank you for all these years together in the promise of representing the best country in the world."
Only fellow full-backs Cafu (143) and Roberto Carlos (127) have won more senior caps for Brazil than Alves (126), and the Barcelona great is under no illusions that his own association with the World Cup is over.
However, he hopes the same cannot be said for Neymar, who refused to give any guarantees on his international future in the aftermath of the Selecao's defeat.
Speaking after Friday's game, Alves told reporters: "This World Cup was my last one. For me, it's time to say that. But I don't think it will be the same for Neymar. He's great, Brazilian football needs him to keep going."
Argentina will face "karma" for their actions during their 4-3 penalty shoot-out triumph against the Netherlands in the World Cup quarter-finals, says former Italy international Claudio Marchisio.
La Albiceleste reached the semi-finals for the second time in three tournaments after they prevailed on penalties following a late Oranje rally that saw extra time finish with the scores level at 2-2.
The match was an extremely fractious affair and broke the World Cup record for cards handed out, with referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz brandishing 14 yellows and one red.
But the behaviour of Argentina in victory - with Nicolas Otamendi taunting the defeated Dutch squad after penalties the standout from several displays of poor sportsmanship - will haunt them, claims Marchisio
"Watch out," Marchisio wrote on Twitter. "What you sow, you will reap. The law of karma is inexorable, evasion is impossible, [to quote] Mahatma Gandhi."
Tempers appeared closing to boiling over at several points during Friday's match, and the bad blood was still evident well after Lautaro Martinez's penalty sealed victory for Argentina.
Lionel Messi was seen to remonstrate with Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, while he also was involved in a verbal altercation with Oranje forward Wout Weghorst during a post-match interview.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez meanwhile accused referee Lahoz of being "useless". Messi refused to criticise the official's performance, citing expected punishment if he did.
Argentina will face Croatia on Tuesday in the first semi-final of Qatar 2022, with Lionel Scaloni's side looking to reach their second final in eight years, after Brazil 2014.
Neymar is struggling to accept he has become yesterday's man at the Qatar World Cup, saying Brazil's exit has left him "psychologically destroyed".
Defeat on penalties to Croatia on Friday meant Brazil's campaign was over, with the pre-tournament favourites falling to the shock finalists from four years ago.
This may have been Neymar's final World Cup, and he was reluctant to commit to playing on for his country in the immediate aftermath of the game.
His dazzling goal gave Brazil the lead in extra time, but a late equaliser from Bruno Petkovic took the quarter-final to spot-kicks, and it was Zlatko Dalic's side who got the better of Tite's men.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Neymar wrote: "I'm psychologically destroyed. This was certainly the defeat that hurt me the most, which made me paralysed for 10 minutes and right after I fell into non-stop crying. It's gonna hurt for a loooong time, unfortunately."
Neymar's strike meant the Paris Saint-Germain forward equalled Pele's record of 77 goals for Brazil, but that was no consolation. He came to win a World Cup and may now never get his hands on that trophy.
"We fought until the end," Neymar added. "That's what I'm proud of my team-mates for, because there was no lack of commitment and dedication. This group deserved it, we deserved it, BRAZIL deserved it... But this was not the will of GOD!
"Thank you all for your support with our national team. Unfortunately it didn't work out."
Pele sent Neymar an impassioned and long message after the game, with the Brazil great attempting to rally the current generation while he is in hospital.
The 82-year-old again reacted on Saturday to Neymar's latest message, telling him: "Continue to be an inspiration."
Brazil have not reached a World Cup final since their 2002 triumph gave the Selecao a record fifth title.
Neymar's former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez also offered his support.
Suarez, who went out with Uruguay at the group stage, told Neymar: "Much strength bro and onwards and upwards. Many times we fall, but we always have the strength to move forward because we fight a lot to succeed in this beautiful sport. Stay strong little brother."
Morocco became the first African team ever to reach a World Cup semi-final as the Atlas Lions continued their fairytale run in Qatar with a 1-0 win over Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on Saturday.
Walid Regragui's side saw off Spain on penalties in the last 16, but this was even more impressive and notable as Morocco ensured they will go where no other African nation has ventured before.
Youssef En-Nesyri had the honour of scoring what will go down as one of the most important goals in the history of African football as he powered in a header just before the break.
Portugal piled pressure on for much of the second half, introducing the again-benched Cristiano Ronaldo, but their efforts fell short much to the delight of the Morocco-dominated crowd.
Fernando Santos' side unsurprisingly enjoyed early control, but clear opportunities were non-existent.
Encouraged, Morocco looked dangerous on the break and the contest livened up after the half-hour mark – Selim Amallah blazed over from Romain Saiss' cut-back and the lively Sofiane Boufal shot at Diogo Costa from 25 yards.
As such, the Atlas Lions were good value for the lead when En-Nesyri towered above Costa to head in Yahya Attiat-Allah's cross after 42 minutes.
Portugal looked for a response.
Bruno Fernandes' dipping right-wing volley struck the crossbar, and he was subsequently denied a penalty after claiming to be tugged back in the box.
Ronaldo's introduction – just before Azzedine Ounahi wasted a decent chance – effectively ushered in complete Portugal control.
But Portugal created precious little until crucial late Yassine Bounou saves from Joao Felix and Ronaldo, as Morocco valiantly held on for another momentous result despite substitute Walid Cheddira's stoppage-time dismissal for a second booking.
Argentina and the Netherlands are being investigated by FIFA following Friday's fiery World Cup quarter-final.
South American champions Argentina prevailed 4-3 on penalties at Lusail Stadium, having earlier squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 as the game went the distance.
Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz issued 15 cards to players who played a part in the game – the most in World Cup history, overtaking Cameroon versus Germany in 2002 (14).
Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries was also shown a red card after the match.
There was a big flashpoint in the 89th minute when Leandro Paredes committed a foul on Nathan Ake and then booted the ball into the Netherlands' dugout.
Both sets of players and coaching staff squared off, though tensions again threatened to boil over in extra-time and also in the subsequent penalty shoot-out.
FIFA announced in a statement on Saturday that proceedings have been opened against the Argentinian Football Association and the Dutch Football Association.
The charge relates to a possible breach of article 12 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code – the misconduct of players and officials.
Lionel Scaloni's side are also being investigated over an additional potential breach of article 16, which relates to order and security at matches.
Argentina have won the most penalty shoot-outs of any side in World Cup history (five out of six), while only Spain have lost more than the Netherlands (one win from four).
Speaking after the game, Argentina superstar Lionel Messi criticised Spanish official Lahoz over his handling of the contest.
"I don't want to talk about the referee, because you can get a suspension, but people saw what happened," he said.
"FIFA have to look at that, they can't put in a referee who isn't up to the job at this stage."
Defenders Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuna were among the players booked and will now serve a suspension in Tuesday's semi-final against Brazil's conquerors Croatia.
Gabriel Batistuta hopes Lionel Messi can overtake him and become Argentina's record World Cup goalscorer in La Albiceleste's semi-final with Croatia.
Lionel Scaloni's side secured Argentina's fourth last-four appearance since 1986 – a tally only bettered by Germany (six) during that time – after defeating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on Friday.
Argentina have won more shoot-outs than any other side in World Cup history (five), with their sole defeat coming against Germany in the 2006 quarter-finals.
Messi was on target from the spot during normal time with his 10th goal at the finals, equalling Batistuta's long-standing record for their national team.
Former Fiorentina and Roma striker Batistuta, who remains the only player to score a hat-trick in two different World Cups (1994 and 1998), saluted his compatriot and hopes Messi can add more goals to his tally.
"Dear Leo, congratulations!" Batistuta posted on Instagram. "I had the record for 20 years and enjoyed it. Now it's a great honour and pleasure to share it with you and I hope wholeheartedly that you can overtake it in the next match."
Argentina face Croatia at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday in what will be the third World Cup meeting between the nations. Argentina won 1-0 in the 1998 group phase, while Croatia prevailed 3-0 at the same stage in Russia four years ago.
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