Fernandes reacts to World Cup heartbreak

Youssef En-Nesyri's first-half goal was enough to win the match for the Atlas Lions, making them the first African side ever to reach the semi-finals of the tournament and eliminating Portugal in the process.

Following the quarter-final heartbreak, Fernandes spoke to the media and expressed his disappointment.

"You don't have to raise or lower your head," he said. "Now it's time to reflect, each one, on what the World Cup was like, go home, be with the families, because we've been away for a long time, even to recover mentally it's important."

Fernandes, who ends the tournament with five goal involvements (two goals, three assists), continued: "This squad will be back and will give a great response: everyone here represents the squad with maximum commitment.

"We always want to represent our country in the best way."

Our attacking midfielder found it hard to pinpoint exactly why the Selecao could not unlock Morocco's resilient backline, but maintained it wasn't from a lack of trying.

"It is very difficult to express in words [what was missing]," he said. "It is a difficult and sad time for us. We had ambition and quality for more.

"There's always something else we can leave on the field. But, I repeat, the delivery and commitment was total. The big difference was that we couldn't score goals, and they knew how to defend very well."