Portugal are the champions - 橄欖球

Portugal are the champions 28/03/04
One point enough to win

Portugal are, for the first time, the European Nations Cup champions, thanks
to a one-point victory over the Russians in Coimbra on Saturday.


The championship, popularly referred to as the 'Six Nations B', has been
played over two years this time. Last season Portugal beat Romania, who in
turn beat Portugal this season. Then last week, Russia shocked Romania with
a victory in Krasnodar.

This left Portugal needing a victory over Russia to take the championship.


PORTUGAL 19 RUSSIA 18
It was not easy. Portugal led 13-5 at half-time but a penalty and a converted
try put Russia ahead 15-13 in the second half. A penalty put Portugal back in
the lead but with seven minutes left the Bears succeeded with a drop-goal.

Three minutes into injury-time, Gon颦lo Malheiro gave Portugal the Cup with a
penalty goal. It was that close.

The scorers:

For Portugal:
Try: Louren湾 Andrade
Con: Gon颦lo Malheiro
Pens: Malheiro 4

For Russia:
Tries: Vladimir Simonov, Andrei Kuzin
Con: Simonov
Pen: Simonov
DG: Alexander Kazantsev

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