Fernandes is proud even though Portugal stopped in the quarterfinals

Fernandes and Ronaldo are in the group of 10 Portuguese players who did not return home with the team, but stayed in Qatar to rest with their family. They also only opened up on social networks a day after the defeat at the hands of Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup on December 10.

"I can hardly describe my feelings after yesterday's match," Fernandes wrote on Instagram on December 11. "The dream was shattered, even though we did everything we could. I am sad and heartbroken because playing for the national team means so much more than playing football. Even though I was eliminated, I am still proud to be Portuguese. Portugal, and for my teammates at the World Cup. Congratulations to Morocco on a great game and well-deserved semi-final."

Center-back Ruben Dias also posted on social media his regret with the 0-1 loss at Al Thumama Stadium. "We knew in advance how Morocco would play and prepared a plan to deal with it," the Man City midfielder wrote. "We created opportunities but failed to take them and paid the price. This defeat is hard to swallow but we will still look forward."

Fernandes or Dias calm down compared to themselves after the game. The Man Utd club midfielder said that FIFA considered the Argentinian referee to hold the whistle for Portugal's match as unacceptable. "I don't know if they want Argentina to win the title," said the 28-year-old midfielder. "I will say what I think, and a referee from a country that is still playing in the World Cup shouldn't be holding any more matches."

Center-back Pepe also complained that Morocco dragged on so much time that the second half was only made up for eight minutes. "We tried really hard but the referee only gave eight minutes to make up," said the 39-year-old centre-back.

Both of Portugal's defeats at the 2022 World Cup were held by Argentinian referee Facundo Tello. On December 2, Portugal lost to Korea 1-2 in the final round of the group stage, when Mr. Tello controlled the match.

Fernandes will be given a few weeks off before returning to Man Utd to play the second phase of the 2022-2023 season. The "Red Devils" still have goals in all four arenas, with the next match against Burnley in the fourth round of the League Cup on December 21.