Bernardo Silva hit out at the official in charge of Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League semi-final win over Germany, claiming he ‘doesn’t know the rules’.
The thrilling clash at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night was settled by Cristiano Ronaldo’s 68th-minute strike – his record-extending 137th at international level – which came after the sides had traded eye-catching finishes.
Germany, who were looking to claim their first Nations League crown, took the lead in somewhat controversial fashion as Liverpool target Florian Wirtz headed home from close range with the aid of a block from Nick Woltemade, who appeared to be in an offside position.
It was one of a number of strange calls from Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who needed only a glance at the pitchside monitor to confirm the effort, that raised the temperature in a feisty encounter.
Silva took aim at the official as he praised his side for fighting back, first from Francisco Conceicao’s stunner before Ronaldo’s tap-in, and slammed Vincic for not understanding the rules of the game.
‘A tough game, we expected that because they have a lot of quality,’ the Manchester City star. ‘Playing at home, we knew they were going to play with a lot of intensity, with a lot of energy like they always do.
Bernardo Silva hit out at the official in charge of Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League semi-final win over Germany
Florian Wirtz’s goal came via the aid of a block from Nick Woltemade, who appeared to start in an offside position
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic needed only a glance at the pitchside monitor to confirm the effort
‘But today we played a good game. A lot of character, a lot of intensity as well from us. Going down 1-0 is not easy in the beginning of the [second] half even if the goal is offside, even if the referee doesn’t know the rules but that’s another question.
‘We’re happy we were able to come back.’
On an eventful night in Munich, the 30-year-old and his compatriot Bruno Fernandes were among the Portugal stars involved in heated confrontations with Wirtz, who is expected to be lining up against the pair in the Premier League next season.
Liverpool are pursuing a club record transfer of attacking midfielder Wirtz, with Bayer Leverkusen holding out for £120million for one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders.
The Reds are currently at £109m, but reports suggest a deal is on the verge of being agreed, with personal terms not an issue.
The 22-year-old won the praise of some Liverpool fans online for a crunching, studs-up tackle on Manchester United skipper Fernandes in the first half before later rowing with Silva.
In the first half, Wirtz challenged Fernandes for a ball, but mis-timed his tackle and stood on his opponent’s foot. Fernandes hit the ground in agony and hobbled through the remaining minutes up to half-time.
Things then escalated in the second period. During a Germany attack, Wirtz as tripped by Silva on the half-way line and himself stayed on the ground in pain. A few minutes later, off the ball, there was an altercation.
Wirtz put in a crunching tackle on the Manchester United captain in the first half before a scuffle in the second period
The 22-year-old was later taken out off the ball by Silva as he began a threatening Germany attack
Wirtz and Silva clashed moments after the Germany returned to the field as the Manchester City man went down off the ball
The two players – who could have been team-mates had City not pulled out of their pursuit of Wirtz – went almost head-to-head when Silva hit the deck, seemingly claiming he had been stood on.
Wirtz tried to lift the 30-year-old up from the floor, but Fernandes raced in and pulled the German away from the scene.
A pushing match ensued between a number of players, with Wirtz booked for his involvement. VAR deemed there was no foul play in his altercation with Silva.
Wednesday night’s result means Portugal will go onto play either Spain or France in Sunday’s Nations League final, while Germany will face the other in a third-place play-off.
