sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Pepe tells FIFA to 'give Argentina the World Cup' in post-match interview after Lionel Messi complaining

Home> Football

Updated 18:25 10 Dec 2022 GMTPublished 18:22 10 Dec 2022 GMT

Pepe tells FIFA to 'give Argentina the World Cup' in post-match interview after Lionel Messi complaining

The Portuguese defender was quick to criticise the Argentine referee following their 1-0 loss to Morocco in the quarter-finals.

George Priestman

George Priestman

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Pepe has slammed Facundo Tello in the aftermath of Portugal's exit from the World Cup.

Portugal were eliminated from the tournament following a tight 1-0 loss to Morocco in what was a hugely frustrating and disappointing night for the European side.

On the other hand, Morocco made history by becoming the first African team to reach a semi-final of a World Cup in an incredible moment for the continent.

It was Youssef En-Nesyri’s late first-half goal that settled the game, with Portugal's Diogo Costa's over-eagerness to collect the cross resulting in the Sevilla forward heading into an empty net.

Advert

Following the game Pepe, who may have just featured in his final ever World Cup game, had some choice words for the officials as he hit out following the defeat.

He insisted that FIFA "can now give the title to Argentina" as he hit out at Tello.

“It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee administered the game today after what happened yesterday,” Pepe said.

“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 injury time

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

The game was vastly different to that of last night's encounter between the Netherlands and Argentina, where Mateu Lahoz brandished 15 cards, as well as two in the penalty shootout.

Perhaps Pepe was wound-up due to the fact he missed a guilt-edge chance in the dying embers of injury time, as a cross in from Rafael Leao was put into a perfect area, but the veteran defender couldn't hit the target.

To make matters worse, as he was lauding the glorious chance, one of the Morocco players seemingly kissed him on his head, in what was a rather strange moment to show his appreciation for missing such a chance; it's certainly something that no player would dare do to Pepe in his younger, more aggressive days, that's for sure.

Morocco are now the third team to enter into the semi-finals, with Croatia facing off against Argentina in the other side of the draw.

France and England are set to duke it out for the right to face the history-making African side, in what is certainly the tie of the round.

The reigning champions are looking to retain their title whilst England are looking to go one better than they did last summer at the European Championships, where they fell to Italy in the final.

Prior to the tournament, we're sure if you offered any England or France fan a semi-final against Morocco, it's likely they would have jumped at the chance.

Regardless, Morocco pose an extremely tough test and are not to be taken lightly by any means, as they look to consolidate their incredible achievement by shocking the world once again.

If you don't believe me, just ask Spain, Belgium or Portugal.

Featured Image Credit: Relevo/Twitter

Topics: Pepe, Portugal, Football World Cup, Football

George Priestman
George Priestman

Huge Football, Boxing and Film fan. Also, a Chelsea fan living in the North West. Looking to break into the world of sports media by any means necessary!

X

@gpriestman1998

Recommended reads

Tyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty ImagesLerone Murphy details ‘bucket list’ fight ahead of UFC LondonChris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Advert

Choose your content:

4 mins ago
an hour ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • BBC
    4 mins ago

    Wayne Rooney nameds the one Man Utd player he hated training with

    Wayne Rooney played a number of years with the Man United star but was regularly irritated by him in training sessions.

    Football
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Man Utd prepare formal complaint to PGMOL over ‘baffling’ Bournemouth call

    Michael Carrick’s side drew 2-2 at Bournemouth on Friday, with the United boss criticising the referee after the game.

    Football
  • Getty
    4 hours ago

    Man Utd make major contract decision on two stars straight after Bournemouth draw

    Michael Carrick watched his side draw 2-2 at Bournemouth on Friday.

    Football
  • Getty
    5 hours ago

    What happened to the nine players Ralf Rangnick wanted to build Man Utd superteam around

    Ralf Rangnick was in charge of Manchester United during the 21/22 season.

    Football
  • FIFA announces ‘game-changing partnership’ with YouTube for World Cup
  • Ex-FIFA chief reveals sanction Iran may face for boycotting World Cup
  • Insider claims FIFA could hand Iran's World Cup spot to nation that hasn't qualified since 2014
  • World Cup nation could 'face ban from tournament' as FIFA rules made clear