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“Relief” was a word that was heard over and over again in the Tonga camp after they beat Hong Kong 44-22 at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana Waters on Saturday. Key points: Tonga scored six tries to three against Hong Kong Captain Sonatane Takulua stars in three trials for Tonga Tonga enjoys great audience support on the Sunshine Coast The win means Tonga have secured their place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The Tongas will join Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Romania in Pool B next year. “I was very emotional inside. I tried not to show my emotions but it’s a relief to win,” Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua said after the match. When the full-time siren sounded, the red sea erupted and tears flowed easily. Load Even for the Tongan supporters — who have a reputation for being the ‘extras’ — it’s on another level because it’s not about World Cup qualification: it’s about feeling like a winner again. A fan hugs captain Sonatane Takulua (right) after Tonga’s emphatic win

There have been several footballers throughout history who have not only played in the World Cup at home, but won it there. Carla Overbeck is one of them. The FIFA legend was part of the famous US team of the 1990s that won the first official Women’s World Cup in 1991 before captaining the team that lifted the trophy as hosts in 1999. Carla Overbeck captained the United States when they made women’s soccer history at the Rose Bowl in 1999. ( Getty Images: Elsa ) It was the tournament — and the team — that changed everything for women’s football in the United States. Despite having an operating budget of only $30 million, the event attracted nearly 1.2 million people throughout the month, with an average of 37,000 fans per game. Television ratings soared, as did media coverage once the tournament took place. The final — held in Overbeck’s hometown of Pasadena, California — still holds the record for highest ever attendance at a Women’s World Cup final as 90,185 people watched the US b