Colombia secured top spot in Group K after an entertaining 0-0 draw against Portugal in their final group game, as Roberto Martinez’s side finish as runners-up.
The South Americans knew a point would be enough to send them through in first, setting up a round of 32 tie against Ghana in Kansas City on Saturday July 4. They will face former boss Carlos Queiroz, who had a disastrous spell in charge between 2019 and 2020.
Portugal – who had to win to earn first place – will face Croatia in Toronto on Friday July 3 and could potentially face Spain in the last 16.
Colombia could have secured all three points as Davinson Sanchez’s late goal was ruled out for offside on-field. VAR checked it and concurred, with replays showing his toe was in an offside position.
Cristiano Ronaldo could not help Portugal to the victory they needed to top Group K
Portugal could also have nicked it at the death, but Rafael Leao poked wide in what would have been a bitter blow for a Colombia side who had the better of the chances in an end-to-end game in a raucous Miami.
While neither side could produce the goal to entertain the masses – which included film stars Matt Damon and John Leguizamo – it will go down as one of the best goalless draws in tournament history, and the first time Colombia have failed to score in a World Cup match.
Portugal’s Joao Felix and Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez battle for the ball in Miami
The key moments from Miami…
1: OVER! Jhon Cordoba sends a header over the bar within seconds of the kick off.
22: CLOSE! Ruben Neves clears Jhon Arias’ effort almost on the line as Colombia go close again.
39: SAVE! Vargas makes a brilliant save to keep Fernandes out.
Colombia fans were out in force in Miami as their team qualified for the round of 32
60: OFFSIDE! Cristiano Ronaldo drags his effort wide – but the flag is up.
62: CHANCE! Richard Rios almost scores with one of his first touches, but pokes around the post.
90+1: OFFSIDE!Sanchez fires home on a tight angle – but the flag is up. This is soon confirmed by VAR.
90+3: CLOSE! Leao pokes wide as Portugal go close to stealing a victory.
