Featured Image Credit: Relevo/Twitter
Topics: Pepe, Portugal, Football World Cup, Football
George Priestman
Topics: Pepe, Portugal, Football World Cup, Football
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.
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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.