Georgia Portugal Rugby Live

The Guardian

Georgia deny Portugal first-ever World Cup win

Late try by Tedo Abzhandadze denies Portugal a famous victory

Georgia and Portugal met for the first time ever in the Rugby World Cup in what turned out to be an absolute thriller. Portugal looked to have done enough to secure their first ever World Cup win, but a late try by Tedo Abzhandadze snatched victory for Georgia.

The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Stade de France in Paris. Georgia started the match strongly and took an early lead through a penalty goal. Portugal hit back with a try from winger Joao Rodrigues, but Georgia replied with a try of their own from scrum-half Vasil Lobzhanidze.

The second half was just as tight, with both teams trading penalties. Portugal looked to have won the match when fly-half Jerónimo Portela kicked a penalty with just two minutes remaining. However, Georgia had the final say when Abzhandadze touched down in the corner in the dying seconds of the match.

The win was a huge relief for Georgia, who had lost their opening match of the tournament to Argentina. It was also a disappointing result for Portugal, who had hoped to make history by winning their first ever World Cup match.

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