IT was a case of a dream coming true for winger Pedro Murinello when Portugal made their debut appearance at the Hong Kong Sevens. After seven years of wanting to play on Hong Kong soil, the 25-year-old finally fulfilled his ambition when Portugal took on the mighty Fijians in their first pool game of the tournament. But not only did Murinello get the chance to play against ''one of the best teams in the world'', the fleet-footed winger was also the first try-scorer for his team. Murinello slipped through the fingers of powerful Fijian Emori Bolobolo to score Portugal's only try. ''It was fantastic,'' Murinello said. ''It has been a big dream of mine to play here in Hong Kong and when I saw the goal-line I just fought to get there. ''Fiji are one of the best teams in the world and they were everything I expected them to be - I didn't think I'd score, but I hoped I would.'' Despite Murinello's glory, Portugal's inexperience let them down on the field, as the dynamic Fijians powered to a 56-7 victory. Fiji's Joeli Vidiri led by example with three tries, while the amazing Waisale Serevi contributed with two tries and eight conversions. Portugal were more competitive in their second game of the day, but still lost to Korea 26-10. Murinello was again the first to cross the line for his side, but Portugal left their run too late. Portugal will now meet Thailand in the quarter-finals of the Bowl competition at 11 am. The fledgling team may have a chance against their opposition first up, but if they win they could find it tough against Romania. Romania, who won the Bowl competition last year, had the tables turned on them yesterday. Last year's Bowl runners-up Papua New Guinea came out on top with a 26-5 win against the champions.
