Samuel Marques’ penalty kick soars into the sky over Dubai, goes between the poles, and Portugal gloats. “Os Lobos” (the wolves) won an unexpected draw (16-16) against the United States at the last second, synonymous with qualification for the next Rugby World Cup in France (September 8 to October 28, 2023) . The Portuguese, clear winners of Kenya and Hong Kong in the first two matches of this final tournament at 4, just like the United States, are ahead of the Americans in the end on the difference of points.
Portugal thus obtained the second qualification in its history for the World Cup, after 2007. It was already in France. The United States, they had only missed the finals once, in 1995. It is therefore a real feat achieved by the players of Patrice Lagisquet. Like their coach, many players from the Lusitanian selection are French or play in France, such as striker and evening hero Samuel Marques, scrum-half from Carcassonne, who notably passed through Toulouse, or former Massy players Mike Tadjer and Steevy Cerqueira.
The “small” Portuguese selection was able to take the lead against the Eagles with a first first-hand try following a touch well managed by Tadjer and Cerqueira, before a conclusion at the end of the line by winger Raffaele Storti, on loan from Stade French in Béziers (ProD2). The Portuguese resistance was Homeric, until the Americans came back in front with a try on the hour mark. But the courage and self-sacrifice of the Portuguese made the difference at the end of the match. As the 80th minute passed, Portugal thought they could make the difference on a drop sent back by Portela’s post but still obtained the final penalty from Marques, at the very last minute. History!
“It’s incredible, exults the Portuguese captain Tomas Appelton. It’s great for the new generation who need to experience a World Cup, it’s good for Portuguese rugby. Thanks to our coach Patrice who did a great job! “On the ground, Samuel Marques could jubilate, in French:” We are going to the World Cup! »
Portugal joined Group C of the World Cup, along with Australia, Wales, Fiji and Georgia. The 20 qualifiers are now all known.