Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw at Miami Stadium on Saturday with both teams advancing to the last-34 stage of the World Cup as the top two Group K sides.
Colombia may regret not taking their chances, but they can take plenty of confidence from their performance against one of Europe’s strongest teams. After dominating for long spells, they now head to Kansas City as Group winners, where they will face Ghana on Friday.
Portugal, who needed a win to finish top of the group, will now travel to Toronto to face Croatia on Thursday. Despite having a squad full of talent, they are still searching for the right balance as a team.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who was booed every time he touched the ball, had little impact because he received very little service. His only shot on target was a long-range free kick that went straight to the goalkeeper.
The game began in a lively atmosphere, with thousands of Colombia fans creating a wall of noise. Their excitement nearly paid off in the opening minute when Jhon Cordoba headed over the bar.
Jhon Arias was a constant threat down the wing. In the 17th minute, he set up Cordoba, whose powerful shot was well saved by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Five minutes later, Colombia produced another flowing move before Arias aimed for the far corner, but Ruben Neves made a superb goal-line clearance to deny him.
Portugal almost took the lead in the 39th minute when Bruno Fernandes found himself unmarked inside the box, but Camilo Vargas pulled off an excellent close-range save.
Just before half-time, Joao Felix showed great skill to chest the ball over a defender before sending an acrobatic volley over the crossbar.
Portugal looked more dangerous after the break, but Colombia continued to create the clearer chances. Arias set up substitute Richard Rios, whose effort went wide, while a James Rodriguez volley was deflected away in the 73rd minute.
Even after Rodriguez and Arias were substituted, Colombia kept pushing forward. They thought of having found a late winner when Davinson Sanchez headed home from close range, but the goal was ruled out for a very tight offside following a VAR review.
Portugal nearly snatched victory in stoppage time as Rafael Leao fired a shot across the face of goal, but neither side could find a breakthrough in front of a crowd of 64,478 in the sweltering Miami heat.
