Media365 Editorial Team Published on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 11:21 p.m.
Portugal has once again lit up the Rugby World Cup. On the occasion of the last match, the Wolves came out with a strong blow to Fiji, which nevertheless qualified for the quarter-finals, benefiting from the defensive bonus (24-23).
The last group match in the 2023 World Cup was between Fiji and Portugal. The Islanders needed one point to qualify for the quarterfinals. For their part, the Portuguese wanted to end the World Cup with their heads held high.
As against Georgia, the Fijians faltered in their rugby in the first period. Fiji have a reputation for being destructive, with three-quarters of the team denied the ball and struggling to progress in possession. All credit to the Portuguese who started the match excellently and put the Fijians in a difficult position. The two teams respond to each other with kicks and defenses are the priority. Marquez and Lomani would score their team’s first points at the end of an intense but defensive first half (3-3, 40).
Portugal’s achievement
The Portuguese remain within their guidelines and feel possible exploitation. They came a little closer to realizing their dream when, after well-done work, Storti scored from a corner kick (3-10, 47). Fiji are still a long way from the target, and a simple penalty from Portugal means elimination. The Portuguese came close to scoring a second try straight away. Martins’s unstable pass takes advantage of Al-Maqla, who retreats sixty metres. Botia is on the finish line to bring the two teams back to par (10-10, 49). Not enough to dampen Portuguese enthusiasm. Lagisquet’s men made a fresh start with a new achievement achieved by Francisco Fernandez. Al Amoudi scored after good work from the Portuguese (10-17, 52). Exhaustion then took hold of the Portuguese, who resisted the Fijian attacks as best they could. The Fijian bench makes the difference. After entering the match, Dougie scored a close goal (17-17, 68). The match is yet to be decided but the Fijians appear to have the upper hand. Lomani added six points (23-17, 77). Qualification is achieved, but not victory. Storti serves him again to Rodrigo Marta. The Toulouse stadium turns over when Marquez hits the shot (23-24, 80). Portugal maintains its achievement.
The Fijians are having a tough time qualifying thanks to the extra point in defence. They will face England on Sunday in Marseille. Portugal achieves a tremendous achievement and ends its journey with a great victory.
