A controversial VAR decision denied Davinson Sanchez a late winner as Néstor Lorenzo’s resilient side battled the Portuguese heavyweights to secure the top spot in Group K.
A late Colombian onslaught saw them nearly snatch a victory and perhaps they should have done. VAR ruled it out in controversial fashion. A right toe was the decisive factor. It came from a short corner with Quintero playing in a lovely ball. Sanchez was the man who rose highest and it was nearly but not quite, the perfect ending for Colombia.
Colombia had the game’s first meaningful chance - it took 15 minutes for the game to ignite when the busy Jhon Arias freely frolicked through midfield and played through Cordoba who impressed in the early exchanges. The striker, though, could not make the most of the opportunity.
Arias was then front and centre again when James Rodriquez slipped him in - the subsequent shot was goal bound but Ruben Neves cleared it off the line.
The second half saw fresh faces introduced - Diogo Dalot and Joao Neves replaced Ruben Neves and Cancelo. It took just five minutes for Dalot to make an impact. He teased in a wicked ball for Joao Felix to meet which resulted in a wasted opportunity.
Dalot again was central to the opportunities that Portugal were manufacturing in the second period. The fullback spotted Felix who was in acres of space due to the right back berth being vacated, Felix then forwarded the ball to Ronaldo who was carelessly offside and could only see his shot trickle wide.
Rodriquez had a growing influence on Colombian proceedings. He threaded a ball through to Santiago Arias who scampered to the byline and pulled the ball back to Richard Rios who saw his shot whistle wide of the post.
Rodriquez was taken off after 75 minutes, but it’s safe to say that during those minutes, he rolled back the years. As he left the field, he was given an ovation full of adoration.
Colombia started lively when ex Tottenham man Davison Sanchez floated a diagonal pass in the direction of Diaz and his deflected shot found the head of Jhon Cordoba who could not divert his header goalwards.
Cordoba gave the Portuguese defence a torrid time - particularly Renato Viega, he had the nous and the knowhow make himself a nuisance.
As the half wore on, Portugal were turning the screw. They began to pin Colombia back and were - not for the first time this World Cup - getting joy from cutbacks. Cancelo caressed one to Bruno Fernandes whose stinging shot was saved superbly by Camilo Vargas.
The boldness and bravery from Colombia had to be admired - it was two heavyweights going punch for punch which made for an exciting and enthralling half.
Colombia end group K top
Colombia have ended Group K top and it is difficult to argue that they do not deserve it. Néstor Lorenzo’s side navigated a challenging group containing Portugal, DR Congo and Uzbekistan, remaining unbeaten and showing both resilience and quality throughout the campaign. Their goalless draw with Portugal was enough to secure first place and cap off an impressive group-stage showing.
What has stood out most about Colombia has been their balance. They have blended the experience of players such as James Rodríguez and Davinson Sánchez with the energy and industry of a younger generation. Against Portugal, they were brave in possession, carried a threat throughout and were unfortunate not to leave with all three points after a late winner was ruled out by VAR for the finest of margins.
Finishing top of the group could prove crucial as the tournament moves into the knockout rounds. Colombia have built momentum with every match and arrive in the last 32 full of confidence. If they can maintain the same defensive solidity while continuing to create chances at the other end, they will believe they have the tools to trouble any side left in the competition.
Portugal qualify but have work to do
Portugal have done the hard part by securing their place in the knockout stages, but there is still plenty for Roberto Martinez and his players to think about. While qualification was achieved without major alarm, their performance against Colombia highlighted areas that will need improvement if they are to challenge for the World Cup. At times they struggled to impose themselves and were fortunate not to be punished late on.
There were flashes of quality, particularly after the break when the introductions of Diogo Dalot and Joao Neves injected fresh energy into the side. Portugal continued to create openings through their wide players and cutbacks, a route that has served them well throughout the tournament. However, their finishing lacked the ruthlessness expected of a team with ambitions of going deep into the competition.
The knockout rounds leave little room for error and Portugal know tougher tests lie ahead. Defensive lapses, missed chances and periods where they ceded control of the game could prove costly against stronger opposition. They remain one of the tournament’s most talented squads, but qualification alone will not satisfy them - sharper performances will be required if they are to fulfil their potential.
