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Portugal receive legendary welcome from packed airport after historic win
By Josh Raisey
Fresh from their first ever World Cup win against Fiji on Sunday, the Portugal squad received a hero’s welcome this week when they returned to Lisbon.
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A packed airport went wild as the team emerged from the arrivals gate, where they proceeded to take selfies and sign autographs. The epic last gasp 24-23 victory over Fiji in Toulouse was special for Os Lobos, but this has only added to it.
It was the welcome the team deserved after a World Cup where they finished fourth in Pool C having also drawn with Georgia, inspiring many in the process with the brand of rugby they played.
Take a look at the scenes:
A hero’s welcome for Portugal Rugby in Lisbon 🇵🇹#RWC2023 | #FIJvPOR | @PortugalRugby pic.twitter.com/C1iEUn3Fhl
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 11, 2023
The moment Portugal Rugby arrived in Lisbon after their historic Rugby World Cup win against Fiji 🙌#RWC2023 | #FIJvPOR | @PortugalRugby pic.twitter.com/USu0Q2eqMm
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 11, 2023
Following the win over Fiji, captain José Lima said: “It has been four year of work and for the past year we worked a lot.
“We tried to come back and we scored at the very end today. We could feel that this match was different from the other games we played. It was hard work.
“When we saw all the Portuguese fans behind us it sent shivers down us. This date will go down in history and it is fantastic when you do something that stays for ever. We can say that we did it.”
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Departing coach Portugal Patrice Lagisquet looked ahead to the future after the historic win. He said: “In four matches they were able to make some progress. They were lacking in the first two. Against Australia they were about to do something pretty good, but today’s match was more accomplished. What is important is the evolution of the team match after match. They play a fast game that is interesting to watch.
“Even though there are key players who might be retiring – Mike, Chico [prop Francisco Fernandes], although he wants to play his 50th match – in the front-row there are great prospects who are already showing good qualities in terms of playing at that high level. It will be tough to replace Sam [Samuel Marques] at this point.
“There is an Under-18 generation that is pretty good, just like what is happening in Fiji. There are a lot people who are really invested in these championships.”
