ROMAIN SAISS has told Bruno Fernandes to stop his whinging and accept defeat.
And the Moroccan defender is dreaming of knocking out France in the semi-finals to set up one of the most unlikely World Cup final appearances in history.
Having gone unbeaten in a group that included that likes of Belgium and Croatia, the Atlas Lions have since dumped out Spain on penalties before Saturday night’s triumph over Portugal.
Incredibly, they are also yet to concede at this tournament – apart from a Nayef Aguerd own goal against Canada – keeping out second half sub Cristiano Ronaldo on perhaps his final World Cup appearance.
The Portuguese were left livid in the aftermath of their quarter final exit thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s 42nd minute header – with several players blaming Argentine ref Facundo Tello.
Manchester United midfielder Fernandes moaned: “I’m going to say what I think. It’s very strange that a referee from a team that is still in the World Cup is in charge.”
Teammate Pepe added: “It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee administered the game.
“With Lionel Messi complaining and Argentina talking, I’m not saying it’s conditional, but what did we play in the second half? Anything. They can now give the title to Argentina.”
But Saiss – formerly of Wolves – hit back: “Just let them complain. What can I say? We do not choose the ref. We had five refs, only Hispanic refs since the beginning.
“We never complained against Spain, so I don’t know. It’s easier to find an excuse after that but if they had won maybe he would have another opinion.
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“I can understand because they are thinking about the duels between Messi and Ronaldo but what can I say to him?”
Morocco are the first African team – as well as first Arab nation – in World Cup history to make the semi-finals, but another victory against reigning world champions France would surely top everything.
Saiss added: “We dream of course, dreaming is free, but to do it is different. We put a lot of energy into each game, physically and mentally it’s hard but it feels so good.
“I know we made history but we want to keep making history. We’ll see. What’s important now is to recover well and prepare the semi-final.
When asked if they could do the impossible and win the World Cup, fellow Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat said: “Yes why not? We will prepare ourselves for whoever we have to play.
“My family are so proud. I see it in their eyes, they were crying. You start to play football to make them proud. They are your family. They always help you.
“When I was a child my father always bring me to football, always he was with me, it was very nice that we can give them this back.”
Morocco will be without Walid Cheddira for the semi after his stoppage time sending off against Portugal, while several other players are fitness doubts, including Saiss.
The Besiktas defender was carried off with a knock to his left leg in the second half, meaning three of Morocco’s first choice back four are now carrying injuries.
There are fears Morocco may have already run out of steam in this tournament.
Asked if he would be fit, Saiss said: “I will try. I don’t know. I will see tomorrow and do some exams to see what kind of injury I have but I will try my best to be on the pitch. I will do everything.”
Amrabat explained: “It is very hard. I have played almost 30 games this season already in three or four months. But you have no choice. You are in the semi-finals. Everybody must go until the end.”
