Pepe

For the defender’s absurd headbutting that has seriously jeopardised Portugal’s World Cup campaign

Most football games which involve Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo end up with him becoming the talking point because, after all, he is regarded as the best player in the world. That was, however, not the case in Portugal’s Would Cup match against Germany in which it was the defender Pepe who was in the news.

In a World Cup that has been relatively free of violence and foul play, Pepe became the first player to get a red card for violent conduct. In a needless altercation, the defender headbutted the 24-year-old German forward Thomas Muller. He was visibly cheesed-off with Mueller after the latter fell down following an innocuous-looking tackle.

Pepe then rushed towards Muller—who was on the ground holding his chin—and violently thrust his forehead against the German’s. Pepe was then instantly dismissed in the 37th minute of the game. How one player’s conduct can impact a team’s chances became instantly evident in this match. When Pepe was sent off, Portugal was two goals behind but still fighting. But after his exit, they just seemed to crumble, eventually losing 0-4. Not only did Portugal get a drubbing, Pepe is now most likely to face a three-match ban for violent conduct.

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