2023-10-09 01:22:40
The significance of the event certainly brought Fijians to knees. With two victories, including a heroic one against the Wallabies, and a defeat against the indestructible Welsh, the Flying Fijians lost to Portugal (23-24) in their last group match. Those who needed a small point to qualify still validate their ticket for the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007 and will face England there. For its part, Australia, which needed a miracle to qualify, was eliminated for the first time in its history in the group stage of the World Cup.
For the Portuguese, it was a sensational feat and a first World Cup victory. And against a hell of an opponent. Despite Lomani’s incredible footwork this evening (100% success), the Little Thumb of this World Cup did not let himself be defeated. Very offensive, the men of Frenchman Patrice Lagisquet scored a nice corner try from Costa, transformed by Marques at the start of the second period (45th, 10-17). Trailing five minutes from the end of the match (23-17), they sought this victory with character and let their joy explode when Marta went to flatten in the Fijian goal, after a Costa festival Out on the right side (78th).
And as against Georgia (18-18), where the match ended in a draw, the Portuguese had the match ball at the tip of their feet just before the final whistle. And this time, Marques didn’t tremble, converting the try 34m on the left. This historic first victory in the World Cup allows Portugal to finish fourth, behind Wales, Fiji and Australia. Enough to give hope for the next World Cup!
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