Chile entered the history of rugby. In an incredible duel, the national team returned to the United States and managed to enter the top tournament for the first time. After the game, the festivities took over the field. “These guys deserve it,” said head coach Pablo Lemoine.
The Condors make history. In a duel that had it all, they managed to seal their qualification for the 2023 World Cup. At times the distance seemed insurmountable. USA started with everything and led 19-0, however, appealing to the hearts, Chile did the unthinkable. After 29-31, euphoria took over the field. “I don’t know if I’m dreaming or if I’m awake,” team captain Martin Sigren said on the TV show.
“They wanted to secure it in the first half, but we kept fighting. It was an incredible game. We knew that if we won it would be a fight game,” added Marcelo Torrealba one of the heroes of the day scoring the first national try.
“We have been working for three years. This group suffered from injuries, we had ups and downs, but everything to get to this moment. We are very happy,” says Torrealba.
Never before in history have Chile qualified for the Rugby World Cup, so the player has no problem stating that: “In any case, this is the best moment of this sport in our country.”
“They made the impossible possible”
One of the most excited of the day in Denver was Pablo Lemoine. The Condors head coach gave the players full credit for the historic comeback. “Today I can speak. I thank the guys who took the impossible and made it possible. Also to my family and my staff, who are magical,” he began to say.
The strategist had words for Cristian Rudloff, the president of the National Rugby Sports Federation. “She laid eggs on him. When everyone said no, he was there. Now all that remains is to enjoy, we are going to France. These assholes deserve it and I have nothing more to thank them, ”he concluded.
The penalty that changed history
Santiago Videla was the protagonist of the day. Penalty kicker Cóndores managed with his shot to put the team on the scoreboard with just five minutes left.
“A lot of emotions are coming together right now. We knew we had to put all our feelings together so that in those 80 minutes we put our hearts into it. We had nothing left to train. We had cultivated this character three years ago and we showed what Chileans are made of”, testifies the rugby player with a historic career.
“Now I think about having fun with each of my friends. Thanking the 30 brothers who came to the United States, but also the other 15 who stayed in Santiago, plus the other four who could not be due to injury” he assures with emotion.
Regarding the team’s aspirations, Videla maintains that: “The important thing is that we go to France. For the first time in history, we are in the World Cup”.
a turning point
The meeting was rich in emotions. At 64 minutes, the United States led 29-21. However, a try by Matías Dittus brought Chile to life. Another turning point.
“We have worked hard for this. Getting up early and training like a monkey is a sacrifice. We remove dirt. I thank the staff, who believed in us, and all the Chileans who came to the stadium. It’s an unforgettable day in my life,” the player said.
To his key action, Dittus preferred to lower his profile. “The game was well planned from start to finish. We fully trust the technical staff. Now the World Cup is approaching, but we are moving step by step. We are celebrating our moment.”
Building on their qualification for the France 2023 planetary event, the Condors will share a group with Japan, Samoa, England and Argentina.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
