The Daily Mail published this article:

Portugal duo Pepe and Bruno Fernandes have taken aim at FIFA over their decision to appoint Argentine referee Facundo Tello for their World Cup quarter-final defeat against Morocco. 

Portugal became the latest major footballing nation to fall at the 2022 Qatar World Cup after Morocco wrote history as the first African and Arab country to reach the semi-finals.

Speaking after the game, Pepe referenced the aftermath of Argentina's dramatic penalty shootout victory over Holland as a reason why he feels the odds are being tipped in the South American nation's favour.

Lionel Messi, Emi Martinez and various other members of the Argentina squad criticised referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz for his performance in Friday's quarter-final.

'We conceded a goal that we didn't expect. But I have to say: it's unacceptable for an Argentine to referee our game,' Pepe said. 'After what happened yesterday, with Messi speaking. All of Argentina speaking and an Argentine referee comes to whistle. 

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

Fernandes echoed his team-mate's sentiments, saying the referee's decision not to award him a penalty was particularly incredulous. 

'Don't touch me, I'll say what I have to say,' said the midfielder. 'It's very strange to have a referee who still has their national team in competition and we don't have a Portuguese referee. 

'Ours referee the Champions League, so they have the quality and level to be here. They don't referee Champions League, they are not used to this type of game, they don't have the pace for this. 

'They clearly leaned the field. In the first half there is a clear penalty on me. I am isolated and never in my life will I let myself fall when I am alone in front of the goalkeeper and I can shoot on goal in a situation like that.'

Pepe's implied reason for criticising his appointment was that a referee from the land of Messi should not be taking charge of a game involving Ronaldo. Portugal's links to Brazil - Argentina's great rival - may also partly explain his outburst after the game. The defender himself was born and grew up in Brazil until he moved across the Atlantic at 18. 

Meanwhile, Morocco's players celebrated wildly as Portugal's were left to rue missed opportunities. 

Cristiano Ronaldo was filmed crying as he headed down the tunnel in his 196th - and perhaps final - Portugal appearance.  

Speaking after the finest moment in their country's footballing history, Sofyan Amrabat said they 'deserved it 1000 per cent'. 

'It's really, really, really unbelievable. I'm so proud. We deserve this 1000 per cent,' he said. 

'That's just how we fight and how play, with our heart, for our country and for our people. We had some injuries and to have three defenders go in and defend like that, big respect. Big respect for everybody - for the fans, for the coach, for everyone.'