The national rugby team tied this Friday with the United States of America and ensured its presence in the World Cup of the modality, which will be played in France next year.
Portugal trailed 16-13 in the last seconds, but a kick in the last shot of the game gave the tie that served as a corner to be present in the main rugby competition in history. The first had taken place in 2007.
Thereupon, in an apparent last try, Wolves number 10 Jerónimo Portela kicked the ball over 40 meters for an equaliser, but the ball hit the goal post. However, the game was not yet over and the referee awarded a penalty in favor of Portugal. In the conversion, Samuel Marques did not hesitate and qualified for the national team.
The “wolves” won at halftime 10-9, with a test by Raffaele Storti in the eighth minute, converted by Samuel Marques. The same player converted a penalty at 37′. For the Americans, AJ MacGinty scored three penalties (3′, 22′ and 40′).
In the second half, Marques hit the posts again. However, Kapeli Pifeleti made a try, converted by AJ MacGinty, leaving the Americans up to three points. The result stood until the last second, when Samuel Marques guaranteed qualification for Portugal.
In the World Cup Qualifying Tournament, Portugal had already beaten Kenya 85-0 and Hong Kong 42-17. All three matches were played in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Rugby World Cup will take place in France, between September 8 and October 28, 2023, where Portugal will participate in Group C, facing Wales, Australia, Fiji and Georgia.
Source: TSF
