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  • Colombia vs Portugal, FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Highlights:Ronaldo unable to secure group top spot in goalless draw

Davinson Sánchez thinks he has won it for Colombia as he heads in Juan Fernando Quintero’s cross at the back post, sending the crowd into celebration. However, the flag goes up for offside and VAR is called into action.

After a check, the decision stands, the goal is disallowed for offside. Colombia are left frustrated as they feel it was incredibly tight, while Portugal survive a massive late scare.

Colombia come inches away from a breakthrough in a frantic spell inside the box. Rúben Dias is forced into a crucial header right on his goal line to clear a dangerous cross, before Diogo Costa steps in to deny the follow-up. The rebound falls to another Colombia player, but the final shot flies wide as Portugal somehow survive the scramble.

Portugal come close from the set-piece as the corner is cleared out to Diogo Dalot, who curls a shot from outside the box that drifts narrowly wide of the post. So close for the visitors.

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Colombia appeal for a penalty after Luis Suárez goes down under pressure from Nuno Mendes, but the referee is having none of it. Play continues with the official rightly uninterested in the claims, as Portugal escape another moment of danger.

group fixture, a result that could have implications for teams hovering around the third-place qualification spots.

Meanwhile, Portugal make two changes: Rafael Leão comes on for João Félix, and Samú Costa replaces Vitinha as Roberto Martínez looks to inject fresh energy for the final stages.

Luis Suárez gets in behind the defence onto a through ball from a tight angle and forces a shot that is pushed out for a corner. The set-piece comes to nothing as Portugal clear their lines.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s effort is ruled out as the linesman raises the flag for offside. The chance is chalked off, sparing any real disappointment as Portugal continue to look for the breakthrough.

Portugal get us back underway for the second half with the game finely poised after a lively first period. Both sides will be hoping for more of the same in terms of tempo and chances.

It’s all square at the break after a frantic opening 45 minutes where both teams went toe-to-toe. Every attacking move from one side was quickly answered by the other, keeping the tempo high throughout.

James Rodríguez came closest in added time with a 20-yard left-footed strike that forced Diogo Costa into a strong save, while Cristiano Ronaldo also tried his luck from range but saw his effort blocked. Earlier, Luis Díaz tested the keeper from distance, though without troubling the target.

Just before the whistle, Colombia were still breaking forward when the referee brought the half to a close, a fitting snapshot of just how intense and evenly matched this contest has been.

Portugal finally threaten from a set-piece after Santiago Arias brings down Cristiano Ronaldo just outside the box. The Portuguese captain steps up and drives his free-kick through the wall, but Camilo Vargas is equal to the effort, making a comfortable save to keep the scores level.

Colombia come close to breaking the deadlock after a sharp attacking move through the middle. Jhon Córdoba powers past his marker and unleashes a low, powerful shot from around 15 yards, forcing an excellent save from Diogo Costa, who reacts quickly to push the effort away.

The rebound falls to Luis Díaz, but his follow-up attempt is blocked behind for a corner as Portugal scramble to recover. A strong early warning for Roberto Martínez’s side after Colombia begin to find space in attacking areas.

Portugal are yet to truly settle into their rhythm in the opening phase of the match, with most of their threat coming from long-range efforts by Rúben Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo. Colombia, meanwhile, look comfortable dealing with pressure and are controlling spells of possession in midfield.

The tempo remains steady rather than explosive, with both sides still probing for openings without committing too heavily in attack.

The official locked-in starting XI and comprehensive substitutes bench for Colombia have been confirmed ahead of the match. Manager Néstor Lorenzo has set his side up in a fluid 4-3-3 formation, with Jhon Córdoba starting up front.

Colombia Confirmed Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Camilo Vargas
Defenders: Santiago Arias, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Deiver Machado
Midfielders: Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias
Forwards: James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba, Luis Díaz

Colombia Complete Substitutes Bench:

David Ospina, Alvaro Montero, Daniel Muñoz, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Kevin Castaño, Richard Ríos, Jorge Carrascal, Juan Portilla, Juan Fernando Quintero, Cucho Hernández, Jaminton Campaz, Luis Suárez, Andrés Gómez

— FCFSeleccionCol (@FCFSeleccionCol)

The official locked-in starting XI and complete substitutes bench for Portugal have been announced ahead of tonight’s clash. Manager Roberto Martínez has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, fielding a highly competitive lineup with depth across all departments.

Portugal Confirmed Starting XI:

Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa

Defenders: João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders (Double Pivot): Rúben Neves, Vitinha

Attacking Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix

Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo (C)

Portugal Complete Substitutes Bench:
José Sá, Rui Silva, Nélson Semedo, Tomás Araújo, Diogo Dalot, Gonçalo Inácio, Samú Costa, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, João Neves, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Trincão, Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Guedes, Francisco Conceição

— selecaoportugal (@selecaoportugal)

Although both nations have already secured qualification for the Round of 32, there is still plenty riding on tonight's meeting in Miami. Colombia sit top of Group K with six points after victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo, while Portugal have four points following a draw against DR Congo and a commanding win over Uzbekistan. Portugal must claim all three points to finish first, whereas Colombia need only a draw to secure top spot.

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Source: The Times of India