Colombia secured first place in Group K after holding Portugal to a goalless draw in their final group-stage match, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo’s side to qualify for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage as runners-up.
The South Americans produced the better chances in an entertaining contest in Miami and were unfortunate not to claim all three points after Davinson Sanchez had a late goal ruled out for offside.
The result means Colombia will face Ghana in the Round of 32, while Portugal have been paired with Croatia.
Colombia dominate but fail to find breakthrough
Colombia started brightly, with Jhon Cordoba heading over the crossbar inside the opening minute before forcing an outstanding one-handed save from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal gradually settled into the contest and almost broke the deadlock when Bruno Fernandes met a cross from close range, but Camilo Vargas produced a superb reflex save to keep the scores level.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice in Portugal’s previous 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, found few opportunities to influence the match as Colombia controlled long spells of possession.
After the interval, Colombia continued to push forward, with Richard Rios and Gustavo Puerta both going close.
Luis Suarez also missed a golden opportunity, volleying over an open goal before Sanchez thought he had scored the winner in the closing moments.
However, the defender’s header was ruled out after an offside check showed he had moved beyond the last defender by the narrowest of margins.
Knockout ties confirmed
Although they failed to score for the first time at the 2026 World Cup, Colombia’s point was enough to finish top of Group K.
James Rodriguez made his 11th World Cup appearance for Colombia, setting a new national record before receiving a standing ovation when substituted.
Portugal, who needed victory to claim first place, had to settle for second despite progressing comfortably to the knockout rounds.
Group winners Colombia will meet Ghana in Kansas City on July 4, while Portugal face Croatia a day earlier in a Round of 32 encounter between two European heavyweights.
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