Portugal are making their long-awaited return to the Rugby World Cup as they a dramatic 16 – 16 draw with the USA.
A draw was enough to see the Portuguese through on points difference to make their first World Cup appearance since 2007.
The result itself could not have come in a more dramatic fashion with the penalty being taken well into overtime.
For the 2031 World Cup hosts the USA, not competing in France will be a bitterly disappointing pill to swallow.
Having slipped up in their qualifying clashes with minnows Chile, the USA joined Portugal, Hong Kong and Kenya in a qualifying tournament in Dubai.
Like Portugal the Eagles easily saw off both Kenya and Hong Kong thus setting up the big showdown.
For Portugal the win is a momentous one that will surely be heavily celebrated over the coming days before their focus shifts to next year’s tournament.
Sign In