Colombia finished at the top of Group K after playing out an action-packed goalless draw against Portugal in Miami. The result secured a last-32 meeting with Ghana for the South American side, while Portugal progressed in second place and will face Croatia.
Although neither team found the net, both created numerous opportunities throughout an open encounter. Colombia even believed they had claimed victory in stoppage time before the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside decision.
Chances at both ends before the interval
Portugal threatened early when Joao Felix delivered a cross that narrowly missed Pedro Neto, but Colombia gradually took control and produced the more dangerous attacking moments despite Portugal enjoying more of the ball.
Diogo Costa denied Jhon Cordoba after a quick counterattack before Ruben Neves cleared another Colombian effort from Jhon Arias following a clever reverse pass by James Rodriguez. Cristiano Ronaldo had little influence for much of the first half, although he tested Camilo Vargas with a long-range free-kick.
Vargas then produced an excellent save to stop Bruno Fernandes from close range after Jefferson Lerma slipped in possession. Neves later fired narrowly wide during Portugal’s strongest spell before Costa dealt with long-distance attempts from Gustavo Puerto and Rodriguez before the break.
Goalkeepers remain busy after the restart
The second half began at a slower pace before Joao Felix headed over from a Diogo Dalot cross after the full-back entered as a substitute. Felix also failed to connect with Ronaldo during another promising Portuguese attack.
At the opposite end, Lerma forced Costa into two more saves before being replaced by Richard Rios, whose first involvement nearly produced the opening goal as he steered Arias’ cross just beyond the post.
Rodriguez continued to create openings, sending substitute Luis Suarez through on goal with an excellent pass, but the forward’s effort was blocked after cutting back inside. Arias also saw a deflected shot turned away by Costa, while Suarez’s appeal for a penalty was rejected after he kicked Nuno Mendes’ leg.
Late drama leaves standings unchanged
The closing moments produced the biggest moment of the match. Ruben Dias cleared a dangerous effort from beneath his own crossbar before Davinson Sanchez headed home Juan Fernando Quintero’s cross deep into stoppage time.
Colombia’s celebrations were short-lived, however, as the goal was disallowed following a very tight offside decision. The score remained 0-0, a result that confirmed Colombia as Group K winners and sent Portugal through to the knockout stage in second position.
