MIAMI.- Colombia drew 0-0 this Saturday with Portugal and qualified as first in Group K to the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup, in a match that it dominated from the start but in which it lacked precision to achieve its numerous scoring opportunities.
The coffee growers could have won in added time of the second half, but the VAR annulled Dávinson Sánchez’s header goal, to the dismay of the large Colombian fans present at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
With seven points, Colombia finishes at the top of its group ahead of Portugal, second with five points.
In the round of 32, the South Americans will play against Ghana on July 4 in Kansas City, while the Portuguese will face Croatia on July 3 in Toronto.
Coffee touch
Colombia started the match better, boosted by its large fans, ready to celebrate every play and boo every Portuguese possession.
With Jhon Arias and James Rodríguez as engines and a powerful Jhon Córdoba in attack, the coffee growers generated the best chances in the initial stretch.
In the first clear, the Russian Krasnodar striker resisted a defender, accelerated and tested Diogo Costa, who deflected the shot.
Arias, leaning on the right, launched another dangerous shot shortly after, but Rúben Neves cleared it off the line.
Néstor Lorenzo’s men dominated, with the deployment of Santiago Arias on the right wing, although without precision in the final third.
Portugal tried to regain control in the midfield, but Vitinha and Ruben Neves could not set the usual pace. Cristiano Ronaldo barely appeared.
The Portuguese found a way down the right wing with Pedro Neto and João Cancelo at the end of the first half. The full-back overflowed, placed a low cross and Bruno Fernandes finished first, forcing Camilo Vargas to intervene with reflexes.
The occasion awakened Portugal. A minute later, Neves’ shot from the edge of the area skimmed the Colombian goal, and João Félix almost took advantage of a defensive mistake on a long throw-in, although his scissors shot went high.
James Rodríguez tried before the break, but Diogo Costa stopped his left footed shot.
Without complexes
Colombia returned from the locker room with the same intensity as the start of the match, more physical, more aggressive and with greater pressure.
However, it was Portugal that had the first clear chance of the second half on a counterattack. Cristiano Ronaldo was one-on-one with Vargas after a pass from Félix, but his shot went cross.
The stands shook, but Colombia reacted immediately and resumed the siege.
James found Santiago Arias on the right, the winger crossed low and Richard Ríos failed to push the ball by centimeters.
Luis Suárez, the top scorer in the Portuguese League this season and who joined Córdoba, had several clear opportunities, but without luck.
The stadium roared as James tried a scissors and forced the Portuguese goalkeeper into another great save. The Portuguese defense was suffering and the goal seemed imminent.
With Colombia focused on the attack, Juan Fernando Quintero sent a cross to the far post that central defender Dávinson Sánchez headed into the back of the net.
Miami erupted in short-lived joy: the VAR annulled the goal for offside by just a few centimeters. A cruel closure for a Colombia that can leave with its head held high. Against one of the favorites of the tournament, it was the South American team that imposed the pace of the game.
Congo will play against England in the round of 32 of the World Cup
The Democratic Republic of the Congo came back (3-1) against Uzbekistan, eliminated with three defeats, to reach this Saturday in Atlanta a historic qualification to the round of 32 of the World Cup, in which they will clash against England.
DR Congo finishes third in Group K with four points, behind Colombia (7) and Portugal (5), who tied 0-0 this Saturday in Miami.
Captain Eldor Shomurodov put Uzbekistan ahead (10′) and Yoane Wissa equalized with a penalty (68′) just before the second hydration break.
Ten minutes later Fiston Mayele made it 2-1 and with time running out (90+1′) Wissa sealed his double.
