2023-10-16 18:33:21
The Rugby World Cup has entered the semi-final stage which will take place on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st October with the following games: Argentina-New Zealand and South Africa-England.
Published on: 16/10/2023 – 18:33
3 min
Last weekend, the four semi-finalists were announced after the quarter-finals.
Host country France lost 28-29 to South Africathe last representative of the African continent, while Irelandworld number one, also ended up losing 24-28 against New Zealandthree-time world champion.
The biggest surprise of the quarters was Argentina’s 29-17 victory over Wales, while England managed to beat Fiji 30-24.
The Welsh and Fijians were in group C, Portugal’s group. Indeed, os ‘Lobos’nickname of the Portuguese National Team, achieved their first World Cup triumph after the 24-23 victory against Fiji.
Portugal finished fourth in Group C, with six pointsahead of Georgia on three, but behind Australia and Fiji, both on 11 points, and Wales on 19.
In 2007, in France too, the adventure had ended with four defeats and one point won.
José Madeira (N°4), Portuguese international. © AFP – CHARLY TRIBALLEAU
In an interview with RFI, José Madeira, a Portuguese international, admitted that the triumph against the Fijians was incrediblethanks also to the support of the public.
RFI: What does a victory at the Rugby World Cup represent?
José Madeira: This victory represents a dream come true for this group. It was our main objective to achieve victory in this World Cup. We have worked all these months to try to achieve this. We knew it was going to be extremely and it was a spectacular game and we did it.
RFI: Where did you find the strength to win in the last seconds?
José Madeira: I think it was all the support that was felt in the stadium. All our fans, all the Portuguese, who are behind us were tireless. Not stopping supporting, not stopping shouting for us, and I think that also made a difference.
RFI: With what feeling do you leave this World Cup?
José Madeira:I feel accomplished. We managed to achieve our objective. Even though we had two defeats, I think what we did was commendable.
RFI: Was there a bitter aftertaste of, perhaps, having done a little more? They lost by just 20 points against Wales and Australia…
José Madeira: The big challenge now is to close the gap we still have with some teams. These 20 points are certainly nothing, but they still cost a lot to earn.
RFI: Is the goal now 2027, World Cup in Australia?
José Madeira: I think it’s impossible for us not to already be thinking about this. Of course, we are already thinking about Australia, in 2027. The objective will be clear to be present at the next World Cup again, without a shadow of a doubt.
RFI: What can be said about the Portuguese public who were present at the stadiums?
José Madeira: They were huge! They definitely made a difference. They made us feel at home. Four home games made the difference.
José Madeira, Portuguese international 09-10-2023
Martim Belo (left) and José Madeira (right), both players on the Portuguese Rugby Team. © AP – Lewis Joly
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