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The spanish rugby can seal his best moment in history on Sunday. Apart from what the pioneers of 1999 achieved, when they qualified for a historic world championship in Wales, what the men of Santi Santos in Georgia can certify in a few hours is extraordinary (3:00 p.m. on Telesport). Especially since in the space of a week they could achieve World Cup qualification for France 2023 and the first European Championship in its history.
But the challenge is not easy for Spain. First, because even if the draw is worth it to clinch the title, they have to play an almost perfect match against the Caucasians. They are his black beast, since he has only beaten him in three of the twenty-two games in the history, all in Madrid and the last one ten years ago.
And then, because you have to admit that their game is at a higher level than the Lions. They have been receiving enormous aid from their Government for years and have achieved an international status that places them halfway between the European elite of the Six Nations and the countries of this Championship in which they always walk. Just until this year, when Spain can take over if they take advantage of their recent boost in morale and the trouble suffered by the Lelos last Saturday against Romania (23-26).
A path full of thorns
Despite the current great moment for Hispanics, getting here has not been easy for them. They have recently had to overcome the death of Leaum coffee in the middle of the qualifying phase, something they achieved by uniting even more in the common goal. And, long before, trying to forget what happened four years ago in Belgium, where a defeat in a match that was clearly rigged and a series of internationally sanctioned improper line-ups left Spain in popular and sporting ostracism. Mas Santos knew how to recover the national team sportingly and mentally by working with a very large group of players of all kinds of profiles to the point of seeming like another team. He did it by giving freedom and responsibility to the leaders of each segment of the game and making everyone feel fundamental.
Thanks to the wide-open sleeve that the International Federation facilitates with the matter of the nationalized, either because they are descendants of Spaniards up to the second generation or because of years of residence, native Argentines, Cameroonians, Samoans, New Zealanders, English, Scottish or French feel they defend the red jacket deep inside every time they put it on. Everyone is aware of the opportunity that is presented to them and they do not want to relax. This is how it warns Lucas William, who points out that “we have already held the World Cup, but the work is not complete. We still have the game in Georgia and that’s where we have to give everything.” Unfortunately, the third row of Sporting Club Albi and the veteran Manu Mora will be absent due to injury, which has motivated Santos to take the opportunity to refresh the starting XV with five changes compared to those who played in the Central de la Universitaria. With these ingredients, it will be seen if this last effort of the Spaniards gives them the second prize in just one week. And if it doesn’t arrive in Tbilisi, the congratulations will have to be given to the national team as well. Qualifying for the World Cup and being European runner-up is something never seen before, although, as the song says… we always want more.
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