Following Portugal’s World Cup exit, defender Pepe questioned the selection of an Argentinian referee.
Veteran Portugal defender Pepe questioned the selection of Argentine referee Facundo Tello to referee their quarterfinal match against Morocco, saying, “It’s unacceptable for an Argentine referee to referee our game.”
After Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Morocco at the Al-Thumama Stadium, Pepe attacked the officials. Pepe also questioned why only eight minutes of stoppage time were played.
Argentina can now claim the title from FIFA. Argentina will be champions, I can guarantee that,” he stated.
Pepe also slammed Argentina and Lionel Mess with venom. He stated, ” After what happened yesterday, with Messi talking, Argentina was all talking and the ref comes here to blow the whistle. I don’t mean to imply that he is prepared for this; however, how did we play in the second half? The second half could not be played by us.
Pepe missed an opportunity to stop Youssef En-Nesyri from scoring the winning goal late in the second half.
In all five World Cups that he has participated in, Cristiano Ronaldo has failed to score in the knockout stages. In the group stage, he has netted eight goals.