E-mail Article Print-Friendly Version Contact Us Subscribe to RSS Feed

Credit for Portugal

Pedro Carvalho streaks away for the try that never was...

Heading into their very first Rugby World Cup game on Sunday there was not much hope for Portugal, or at least that is what most would have led you to believe.

But when the final whistle sounded in St Etienne, Portugal emerged with credit aplenty and hoards of admiring fans, the passion with which they played surpassing anything seen thus far in the World Cup.

Scotland may have run out 56-10 winners, but the Portuguese left their mark on the game, further showing they fully justify their place in Pool C.

The crowning moment of their opening game came when Pedro Carvalho scored a first-half try, and that score spurred his side on. He thought he had a second in the second half, but it was disallowed for an offside.

For the remainder of the game Portugal continually frustrated Scotland with resolute defence and enterprising attack.

"I expected much more from [Scotland] - when we came on to the field we weren't intimidated," said Carvalho to the IRB.

"When it was 28-10 at half time, we even had thoughts of winning. We are so proud," Carvalho said after the match.

Such was the effort shown by Portugal their captain and number eight Vasco Uva was awarded the man of the match award, and rightly so after a courageous effort.

However, Uva was quick to point out that while he may have won the award it was a team effort, and his fellow players deserved a share of the credit.

"We knew that it was going to be tough but we gave everything we had to this game," Uva said.

"We knew Scotland would be hard, but it was a very good game and I think we showed just what Portuguese rugby is about."

Watch Rugby World Cup on Demand