Colombia secured top spot in Group K after an entertaining 0-0 draw against Portugal in their final group game, as Roberto Martinez’s side finished runners-up.
The South Americans knew a point would be enough to send them through in first, setting up a round-of-32 tie against Ghana in Kansas City on Saturday July 4. They will face former boss Carlos Queiroz, who had a disastrous spell in charge between 2019 and 2020.
Portugal – who had to win to earn first place – will face Croatia in Toronto on Friday July 3 and could potentially face Spain in the last 16.
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Colombia could have secured all three points as Davinson Sanchez’s late goal was ruled out for offside. VAR checked it and concurred, with replays showing his toe was in an offside position.
Cristiano Ronaldo could not help Portugal to the victory they needed to top Group K
Portugal could also have nicked it at the death, but Rafael Leao poked wide in what would have been a bitter blow for a Colombia side who had the better of the chances in an end-to-end game in a raucous Miami.
While neither side could produce the goal to entertain the masses – which included film stars Matt Damon and John Leguizamo – it will go down as one of the best goalless draws in tournament history, and the first time Colombia have failed to score in a World Cup match.
Portugal’s Joao Felix and Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez battle for the ball in Miami
The key moments from Miami…
1: OVER! Colombia’s Jhon Cordoba sends a header over the bar within seconds of the kick off.
22: CLOSE! Ruben Neves clears Jhon Arias’ effort almost on the line as Colombia go close again.
39: SAVE! Vargas makes a brilliant save to keep Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes out.
60: OFFSIDE! Cristiano Ronaldo drags his effort wide for Portugal – but the flag is up.
62: CHANCE! Richard Rios almost scores with one of his first touches, but pokes around the post for Colombia.
90+1: OFFSIDE! Sanchez fires home for Colombia on a tight angle – but the flag is up. This is soon confirmed by VAR.
90+3: CLOSE! Leao pokes wide as Portugal go close to stealing a victory.
Rodriguez rolls back the years
Colombia’s James Rodriguez showed his quality against Portugal
Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:
“It was at the 2014 World Cup when James Rodriguez announced himself on the world stage. It earned him a move to Real Madrid – where he played with Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he had a friendly chat with as the two came back out after half time.
“And unlike his Portugal counterpart, Rodriguez was influential for his country in the final Group K game.
“It was a reminder of the quality the 34-year-old possesses. His club career over the last few years has consisted of moves to various countries – including a spell at Everton – and he has not played a whole lot of high-level football.
“You would’ve been fooled for thinking otherwise, such was his performance in Miami. Lots of Colombia’s good attacking play – of which there was plenty – came from his sprayed passes, his vision and ability to find his team-mates with precision.
James Rodriguez became the first Colombian player to reach 11 appearances in the World Cup, surpassing Freddy Rincon and Carlos Valderrama (10 each).
“He created a joint-high five chances, and also topped the charts for passes in the final third (43). He was also second for total duels (7) and possession won (4), showing his contributions across the pitch.
“The love Colombians still have for Rodriguez is clear. He was given a huge ovation as he was replaced.
“His leadership and experience will be crucial as Colombia navigate the knockout rounds. They looked intense and dangerous going forward and will be a match for anyone they meet.”
What the managers said…
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez: “We gave Colombia the match they wanted. This was a very open match, probably more so than we would have liked.
“We needed to win, but we have to respect Colombia – they’re a top-tier team. This match really helps us to make adjustments and alignments, and be better prepared for what we have to do in this World Cup moving forward, which will be a completely different tournament.”
Colombia boss Nestor Lorenzo: “Colombia played a great game from start to finish. We deserved to win, we created so many chances, we lacked finishing. I want to congratulate the boys for the effort they put in because they were outstanding. Portugal is a great team, they have a great coach, but we were better than them.
“Facing an opponent like that, with this style of football, our fans and this heat – it felt like we were in Barranquilla,”
Colombia fans were out in force in Miami as their team qualified for the round of 32
What the result means…
Player ratings:
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Charlotte Marsh
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