Rugby World Cup 2023 | Match Centre | Georgia 18:18 Portugal

In a heart-pounding match filled with twists and turns, Portugal missed a last-minute penalty that would have secured their first-ever World Cup victory. Facing a 13-0 deficit early on, Portugal staged a remarkable comeback led by winger Raffaele Storti, who scored two sensational solo tries to put his team in the lead during the closing moments.

However, a 79th-minute try, confirmed by the TV match official, leveled the score for Georgia. The crucial turning point came when Portugal’s full-back, Nuno Sousa Guedes, failed to convert the penalty kick just seconds after the restart.

The match began with Georgia taking only 75 seconds to open the scoring, as record try-scorer Akaki Tabutsadze crossed the line for his 30th try in 33 Tests. Tedo Abzhandadze’s conversion and two penalties extended Georgia’s lead to 13-0. Nevertheless, Portugal refused to back down, and Raffaele Storti’s incredible solo effort saw him beat three defenders to score from distance, igniting hopes of a historic win.

Despite a yellow card shown to Portuguese prop Francisco Fernandes for a dangerous tackle, Portugal maintained their dominance. Tengiz Zamtaradze managed to level the scores at 18-18 with a crucial try.

Samuel Marques added two penalties, closing the gap to just two points at 13-11. Captain Tomas Appleton was twice held up after impressive moves, but Storti’s brilliant try, following quick ball from a line-out, brought joy to the crowd and marked Portugal’s first-ever two-try performance in a World Cup match.

As the match neared its conclusion, Georgia applied immense pressure, and the TV match official, Joy Neville, awarded a try after a powerful drive to the line by replacement hooker Tengizi Zamtaradze.

However, the missed conversion by Luka Matkava left the scores level. In the final moments, Portugal had a chance to seal the win with a penalty kick, but Sousa Guedes pulled it wide.

In their next matches, Georgia, currently fourth in Pool C, will face Fiji in Bordeaux on October 7, while Portugal takes on Australia in St Etienne the following day.

Match Summary

Pool C | Georgia 18:18 Portugal

Georgia Scores:

Portugal Scores:

TRIES Raffaele Storti (34′, 57′)
CONV Samuel Marques (58′)
PENS Samuel Marques (48′, 53′)

Referee:

Paul Williams

Man of the match:

Jerónimo Portela (Portugal)

Highlights

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