In a thrilling match in Toulouse, Portugal secured their first-ever World Cup victory with a dramatic 24-23 win over Fiji. Despite the loss, Fiji advanced to the quarter-finals, eliminating Australia from the tournament for the first time in history.
Key Takeaways
- Portugal’s First World Cup Win: Portugal achieved a historic milestone by winning their first World Cup match.
- Fiji Advances: Despite the loss, Fiji secured a spot in the quarter-finals due to a losing bonus point.
- Australia Eliminated: Australia was knocked out in the group stage for the first time.
Match Overview
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and determination. Fiji needed just one competition point to advance from Pool C but found themselves struggling against a spirited Portuguese side.
First Half
- The first half ended in a 3-3 deadlock, with both teams managing only a penalty each.
- Portugal’s Samuel Marques and Fiji’s Frank Lomani were the scorers.
Second Half
- Early in the second half, Portugal took the lead with tries from Raffaele Storti and Francisco Fernandes.
- Fiji responded with a try from Levani Botia, who was subsequently sin-binned for a dangerous tackle.
- Fiji regained the lead with a try from Mesake Doge and two penalties from Lomani.
Final Moments
- With three minutes remaining, Portugal’s Rodrigo Marta scored a crucial try, and Marques converted it to secure the win.
- Despite the loss, Fiji advanced to the quarter-finals due to a losing bonus point.
Coaches’ Reactions
- Fiji Coach Simon Raiwalui: "We were a bit tight in the context of the game. Created lots of opportunities but we just didn’t throw the ball out to our outside backs. So congratulations to Portugal, they can enjoy tonight."
- Portugal Coach Patrice Lagisquet: "They still surprise me after four years. It’s incredible, unbelievable, they always find the resources."
Looking Ahead
- Fiji’s Next Match: Fiji will face England in the quarter-finals.
- Portugal’s Future: Although Portugal’s World Cup journey ends here, their historic win will be remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
The match between Portugal and Fiji was a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports. While Portugal celebrated their first World Cup win, Fiji managed to advance to the quarter-finals, setting the stage for more exciting matches ahead.
