World Cup 2022: What Bruno Fernandes Said After Portugal’s Shock Exit

• Bruno Fernandes has reacted after Portugal's agonising exit from the 2022 World Cup
• He said his team tried everything to win the game but fell short
• Portugal were considered outside favourites but failed to break down a resilient Morocco side
• He finished the tournament with two goals and three assists

Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence after Portugal's shock exit from the 2022 World Cup.

The Portuguese were stunned by dark horses Morocco who beat them 1-0 through a superb header from Youssef En-Nesyri late in the first half.

Photo

Portugal one of the pre-tournament favourites began the game strongly with Joao Felix getting a few chances to open the scoring. Morroco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a solid display throughout the match

Fernandes was close to finding an equaliser for his country but his outrageous effort hit the bar, Sky Sports reports.

Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer: Is CR7 leaving Manchester United and which clubs are likely to acquire him?

Football

Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Goncalo Ramos all missed chances to score in the second half. Zakaria Aboukhlal was close to sealing the win for Morocco but his weak cheap was easily collected by Diogo Costa

The win saw the Atlas Lions become the first African nation to reach the semi-final of the World Cup.

Fernandes reaction

Fernandes was once again impressive but he was unable to help his country reach the last four.

He scored twice and provided three assists in five games in Qatar. He says it was painful to leave the World Cup.

"It's difficult to express in a few words everything we felt yesterday after the game ended. Our dream fell apart when we did everything to make it end differently."

He also congratulated Morocco for their historic achievement.

Ghana's World Cup squad in 2022: Who is in, out, and why?

Football

"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."

Fernando Santos's side were considered outside favourites due to their talented squad with a blend of youth and experience.

Like they did against Belgium and Spain, Morocco showed they could stop a star-studded European giant, Goal notes.

For the north Africans, another giant awaits them in the semis. France beat England 2-1 to set up another mouth-watering clash.

Fernandes blames referee for Portugal's loss

Sports Brief earlier reported on Fernandes blaming the referee for Portugal's exit from the tournament.

The match referee Facundo Tello, his two assistants and the video assistant referee were all from Argentina.

Portugal's main complaint was that too little had been in their clash with Morocco, critical of supposed time-wasting by the North African side in the second half.

Bruno Fernandes complained that far more injury time should have been added and that referees from teams still involved in the tournament should not be appointed to matches.