Aurélie SACCHELLI, Media365, Posted on Sat Nov 19 2022 09:07
Portugal is the last country to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in France, thanks to a 16-16 draw with the United States, who snatched it at the last second.
Samuel Marquez is the hero of an entire country! He sent Portugal’s Carcassonne half to the World Cup by scoring a penalty kick in the last second! During the last qualifying tournament for the World Cup in France, which was held in Dubai, with Portugal, the United States, Hong Kong and Kenya, Os Lobos (Wolves) only needed a draw against the United States to validate their ticket. France 2023. Trailing 16-13 in the 82nd minute after a match with two tries (Sturti at 9 for Portugal, Beveleti at 61 for the United States), Portugal got a penalty kick, 30 meters in front of the posts, and Marquez did not. miss. For the second time in their history, after 2007 (four defeats in the group, including 108-13 against the All Blacks), already in France, Os Lobos will see the World Cup! On the one hand, it is disappointing for the United States, having played in all editions (defeat in the group stage each time), except for 1995.
French at the head of the wolves
At the helm of this team since 2019, former Biarritz coach Patrice Lajesquet was clearly very proud of this qualification, insisting on a microphone. channel + : “It was hot, it was a very cool scenario. That successful penalty kick in the last second… It’s very exciting! When I got to the head of this selection, the main idea was to qualify, to shoot. We knew that Portugal can play a very competitive team.” With players playing in French leagues and young Portuguese talents, this combination has worked.” So Portugal will see France next fall, It will be placed in Group C, and matches will be played against Wales (in Nice), Australia (in Saint-Etienne), Fiji (in Toulouse) and Georgia (in Toulouse). It would be a miracle, of course, to qualify for the quarter-finals, but winning the first match of the World Cup could be a good goal.
