TOULOUSE, France (Reuters) -Portugal would not have been on many people’s radar as a team to watch heading into the World Cup, but their attacking style, potent back three and strong forward pack have made them among the best Tier Two teams at the tournament.
A maiden World Cup win in their second tournament came in a thrilling 24-23 victory over Fiji on Sunday which, coupled with a draw against Georgia, means they go home with six points and plenty of new admirers.
Portugal might have beaten Georgia too but missed a kick at goal with the final play, though they saved their best for last with a superb showing against Fiji who needed a point to claim a quarter-final place but found the Portuguese tough opponents.
Much credit must go to outgoing Portugal coach Patrice Lagisquet who leaves his role on a massive high.
“It’s unbelievable, they (the players) always find resources I never expect,” he said. “The way they could score, it’s amazing. Even if we work a lot, to be able to do things like that, they still surprise me after four years.
“It is an incredible group, an incredible team and they are players who are really talented.
“It couldn’t be better (to leave with a win). I am so lucky to train a squad like this one. I am so lucky to finish with this victory, it’s a great moment.”
Portugal needed a last-gasp kick to earn their qualification for the tournament in France via a draw with the United States, and got their first World Cup win with virtually the last kick again as scrumhalf Samuel Marques delivered on both occasions.
He will now retire, as will hooker Mike Tadjer, another stalwart of the side, as Portugal look to find a way to keep this momentum going. But that is a question for tomorrow.
“Obviously I can die tomorrow. It’s going to be an awesome day for me,” Tadjer said. “To finish like that it is unbelievable for me.
“Some (players) are amateur in Portugal, some are professional in France. For four years we built (towards) this. I hope we continue to work in a good way for the next generation.”
Captain for the day Jose Lima believes the side got the reward they felt were due.
“Our team deserve that victory so much. I think today we showed the world we can compete and win at this level. It is unbelievable,” Lima said.
(Reporting by Nick Said, editing by Ed Osmond and Ken Ferris)
