Back-and-forth match between Colombia, Portugal ends in draw
· Yahoo Sports
MIAMI GARDENS — Saturday’s group-stage finale between Colombia and Portugal came with numerous scoring chances for both sides, but neither could find the back of the net.
The two sides ended group play with a scoreless draw in front of 64,478 fans at Miami Stadium. The result means both Colombia and Portugal will advance to the Round of 32. Colombia won Group K with seven points, while Portugal finished second with five points.
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Colombia will face Ghana in the Round of 32 on July 3. Portugal will face Croatia on July 2.
Colombian fans, decked out in yellow jerseys, were in the vast majority of Miami Stadium’s seats on Saturday, belting out the national anthem and chanting “esta noche, tenemos que ganar” (“Tonight, we have to win”). Portuguese fans, mainly wearing red, made themselves heard, as well.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and FBI Director Kash Patel were in attendance for the game, sitting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Colombia put constant pressure on Portugal’s back line throughout the first half, but it could not finish any of its passes into the box. Portugal had several excellent opportunities late in the first half, including a shot from Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes that was directly in front of the goal. Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who plays for the Mexican club Atlas FC, had to make an excellent save to keep the score tied at zero.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to have an excellent chance in the 60th minute, but he sliced his shot wide — and he was ruled offside after the missed shot, anyway. Colombia countered with a good chance of its own but could not convert it.
Colombia appeared to score a winner in stoppage time on a headed cross by Davinson Sanchez, a defender who plays for Turkish club Galatasaray. But it was ruled offside, preserving the scoreless tie.
Colombia ended the match with six shots on goal, 24 total shots and 1.58 expected goals. Portugal had two shots on goal, 13 total shots and 0.69 expected goals.