When Portugal‘s World Cup run come to an end on Saturday due to the Atlas Lions, Bruno Fernandes recognised Morocco as deserving World Cup semi-finalists.
Inflicting yet another upset at Al Thumama Stadium, Morocco became the first African team to ever make it to the tournament’s last four thanks to Youssef En-goal, Nesyri’s which was scored only in the game.
The result incited an outraged response from some Portugal players, with Pepe calling the selection of Argentinian referee Facundo Tello “awful” after Tello decided against giving a penalty when Fernandes fell down under a challenge from Achraf Hakimi.
In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, the playmaker concurred with Pepe’s assertions, claiming that the referees had “tipped the field” against Fernando Santos’ team.
However, the Manchester United man struck a different tone when he took to social media on Sunday, praising Morocco’s display and outlining his pride in Portugal’s efforts.
“It’s difficult to express in a few words everything we felt yesterday after the game ended,” he wrote on Twitter. “Our dream fell apart when we did everything to make it end differently.
É difícil expressar em algumas palavras tudo o que sentimos ontem assim que terminou o jogo. O nosso sonho caiu por terra quando de tudo fizemos para que terminasse de maneira diferente. pic.twitter.com/u5bJ3wR3tN
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) December 11, 2022
“It’s sad and painful because representing our team means much more than just playing football.
“Despite the elimination, I am very proud to be Portuguese and even more proud of all those who represented our country with me in this World Cup.
“I would also like to congratulate the Moroccan team for the great game and for deservedly qualifying for the semi-finals of the World Cup.”
Portugal’s defeat to Walid Regragui’s men was their first at the quarter-final stage of a World Cup, with the Selecao having progressed from their two previous last-eight ties at the tournament.