Bruno Fernandes acknowledged Morocco as deserving FIFA World Cup™ semi-finalists after seeing Portugal's campaign cut short by the Atlas Lions in Saturday's quarter-final.

"It's difficult to express in a few words everything we felt yesterday after the game ended," he wrote on Twitter.

"Our dream fell apart when we did everything to make it end differently.

"It's sad and painful because representing our team means much more than just playing football.

"Despite the elimination, I am very proud to be Portuguese and even more proud of all those who represented our country with me in this World Cup.

"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."