12 C
Manchester
Thursday, June 5, 2025
Other SportsPortugal coach Lagisquet delighted to bow out with historic win

Portugal coach Lagisquet delighted to bow out with historic win

Coach Patrice Lagisquet hailed his “incredible” Portugal team following their historic, last-gasp World Cup win over Fiji.

Rodrigo Marta’s late try, converted by Samuel Marques, saw the Portuguese home 24-23 – handing the country their first win at a World Cup – although Fiji still managed to advance to a quarter-final with England after securing a bonus point.

Former France winger Lagisquet, for whom it was a final match in charge, could not have been prouder.

He said: “It’s unbelievable, the players always find resources I never expect.

“The way they could score [so late], it’s amazing. Even if we work hard to be able to do things like that, they still surprise me after four years. It’s an incredible group, an incredible team full of really talented players.

“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.”

Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui was disappointed with his side’s performance and conceded the better team won on the night.

“Congratulations to Portugal, they played really well, stuck in there once we took the lead,” he said.

“We thought we had it, but they scored the try. A fully deserved victory to them.

“We dropped too much ball. We were a bit tight in the context of the game. We created lots of opportunities but we just didn’t throw the ball out to our outside backs.”

Raiwalui’s men will have a week to rest before facing England and know a much-improved performance is required.

We’re going to have to rest and recover,” he said.

“England are a very good tournament team and we’re expecting a tough game. We’ll regroup, review and then get on to England.”

Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher
Jon has over 20 years' experience in sports journalism having worked at the Press Association, Goal and Stats Perform, covering three World Cups, an Olympics and numerous other major sporting events.
Latest

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...

Ai Law Honoured as 2025 Legal Team of the Year at National Property Awards

Ai Law is delighted to announce its latest accolade—being named “Legal Team of the Year” at the 2025 Sunday Express Construction and Property Awards....

Nudie Jeans opens its doors in Manchester

Nudie Jeans has opened a brand new Nudie Jeans Repair Shop in Manchester. Located in the heart of the Northern Quarter, this marks the brand’s...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Ai Law Honoured as 2025 Legal Team of the Year at National Property Awards

Ai Law is delighted to announce its latest accolade—being named “Legal Team of the Year” at the 2025 Sunday Express Construction and Property Awards....

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...