A stunning 24-23 victory against Fiji on Sunday, along with a draw against Georgia, gave them their second tournament’s first World Cup triumph. They now have six points and a tonne of new fans
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Portugal may have defeated Georgia as well, but they lost a goal-scoring opportunity with the last play. However, they kept their greatest performance for last against Fiji, who needed a point to advance against Australia in the quarterfinals but found the Portuguese to be formidable opponents.
Patrice Lagisquet, the departing Portugal coach, deserves praise for leaving on such a good note.
Portugal was not widely anticipated as a side to watch entering the World Cup, but their aggressive approach, powerful back three, and strong pack have elevated them to the top of France’s tier-two competition.
A stunning 24-23 victory against Fiji on Sunday, along with a draw against Georgia, gave them their second tournament’s first World Cup triumph. They now have six points and a tonne of new fans.
Portugal left their best for last with a magnificent performance against Fiji who needed a point to earn a quarterfinal spot at the cost of Australia, but found the Portuguese tough. Portugal may have also defeated Georgia had they not missed a kick at goal with the final play.
Portugal’s first World Cup victory came with almost the same last kick that it took to secure qualification for the tournament in France by drawing with the United States.
Samuel Marques, the halfback, delivered on both occasions.
As Portugal looks for a means to maintain this momentum, he will now retire, as will hooker Mike Tadjer, another veteran of the team.
But it is a query for another day.
“I may pass away tomorrow. I’m going to have an amazing day,” Tadjer declared.
“That is an awful way to end.
“We worked on this for four years. I hope we keep up the fantastic job for the coming generation.
Jose Lima, the team’s captain for the day, claimed his team received their just recompense.
“Our team deserves that victory so much,” he remarked.
We proved to the world today that we can compete and prevail at this level.
