TOULOUSE: Portugal secured their first World Cup win with a last-gasp 24-23 victory over Fiji on Sunday but the Pacific islanders progressed to the quarterfinals at Australia’s expense courtesy of a losing bonus point.
Fiji, who move on to a quarterfinal against England on Sunday, needed only a single competition point to progress from Pool C but struggled for rhythm against a spirited Portugal team.
Fiji led 23-17 with three minutes remaining after a Mesake Doge try and two Frank Lomani penalties but Portugal winger Rodrigo Marta scored a late try and Samuel Marques converted to secure a famous victory.
The contest was locked up at 3-3 at halftime but early in the second half Portugal scored tries through Raffaele Storti and prop Francisco Fernandes against a single effort from Fijian flanker Levani Botia, who was almost immediately sin-binned.