Colombia and Portugal are level at 0-0 at half-time in their Group K decider at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with Colombia edging a frantic and entertaining opening 45 minutes that neither side could separate despite a flurry of chances at both ends.
Colombia need only a draw to top the group. Portugal must win to leapfrog them. The stakes could not be higher, and the football has matched the occasion.
The hosts came with a clear gameplan: get physical with Cristiano Ronaldo and disrupt him before he could influence proceedings. The 41-year-old was repeatedly pushed and shoved throughout the half, drawing more fouls than any other player on the pitch. He fired a free kick on target in the 24th minute, though without enough power to trouble goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, and shot frustrated glances at the referee as Colombia’s defenders tag-teamed him at every opportunity.
The Colombian fans, who vastly outnumbered the Portuguese support inside the Hard Rock, booed Ronaldo every time he touched the ball, the noise rising another level whenever he was involved.
The defining moment of the half came when Vargas produced a sublime save to keep out a powerful close-range strike from Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester City midfielder hit it so hard the goal looked certain, but Vargas got his body behind the shot with a strong right-handed stop that kept Colombia level.
Portugal improved towards the end of the half, with Pedro Neto providing one of their brighter moments with a sharp cut inside and reverse pass that set up Fernandes’ effort, but Roberto Martinez’s side have struggled to control possession and tempo, two things this squad should be doing comfortably.
Colombia have looked dangerous throughout, with Santiago Arias causing problems down the right and Jefferson Lerma driving through the lines with a directness that has repeatedly caught Portugal off guard. The 22-year-old Gustavo Puerta has been a revelation in midfield, while Luis Diaz created Colombia’s best opening of the half inside the opening two minutes, his effort deflected just wide.
Elsewhere in Group K, Uzbekistan lead DR Congo in Atlanta, a result that would suit Colombia regardless of what happens here.
Martinez has made substitutions at half-time in each of Portugal’s previous matches at this tournament. The question now is whether he turns to Rafael Leao on the left, with Joao Felix having offered little threat playing on the counter. Portugal’s lack of genuine pace beyond Neto is a concern if they continue to sit deep and invite pressure.
Colombia, for their part, will be content. A draw takes them through as group winners. They have the better of the contest so far and Vargas has been outstanding in keeping Portugal at bay.
