The Colombia vs Portugal matchup was the most anticipated game of the 2026 World Cup group stage for many supporters, none more so than the fans who follow Colombia. They turned Miami completely yellow, not just at Hard Rock stadium, but at every bar, FIFA Fanfest, and World Cup watch party in the state of Florida and beyond. As predicted, Ryan Castro showed up, along with a host of other celebrities, and Los Cafeteros didn’t leave the nation disappointed, a 0-0 draw that secured winning their group, and arguably felt like more.
Davison Sanchez is Denied a Goal but Colombia Still Triumphs
A back and forth, open, and compelling contest nearly was settled late. Davinson Sanchez headed a ball into the net in the 91st minute, Colombia erupted in celebration, and then the referees flag went up. Upon VAR review, Sanchez was offsides by literally the margin of his toes, one of the closest offside calls you will ever see in football, and perhaps against the spirit of the rule, even if the letter of the offsides rule was applied. Sanchez thrilling (non) goal, capped off what had been a superior performance from Colombia in most phases of the contest. In a matchup that many neutrals said was one of the best of the group stage, despite the lack of goals. A lack of goals, was not a lack of effort by either team.
Colombia was on the ball 55% of the time, they had an xG of 1.7, and they outshot Portugal 24-13. It’s not that Portugal was completely outplayed or out of the game, they had their moments going forward, but if Colombia’s finishing had been better they clearly would have finished the group perfect.
The pace, transition, and positive attitude of Colombia on the ball was a contrast to how many World Cup teams have approached this tournament. Only needing a draw, Colombia didn’t opt to park the bus, likely manager Nestor Lorenzo didn’t believe they were designed to do so. Spurred on by supporters, Colombia kept attacking, kept trying to create, and it was only the brilliance of Portugal’s Diogo Costa that kept them off the scoreboard.
Colombia needs a better striker, Luis Suarez has struggled, going invisible at times, and starting Jhon Cordoba, they looked better for the time he played, Cordoba was the best striker in the contest for either team.. Cucho Hernandez likely needs minutes in that role as well after his cameo on matchday 1.
Colombia’s Midfield and Defence Shines
It was Portugal’s midfield that was shut down, the five of Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Ruben Neves started, the other PSG star, Joao Neves came on at the half for Ruben Neves. They didn’t have an impact, as Colombia’s less famous midfield were able to smother them and dictate play through the middle of the field.
Colombia rested both Daniel Munoz, who scored two goals in this tournament, and only came on late, and Johan Mojica in their regular backline. Deiver Machado and Santiago Arias didn’t miss a beat as the rotated players, while Gustavo Puerta once again showed why he will likely get a move to a big European club this summer.
Through three games, the pair of Davinson Sanchez and Jhon Lucumi have only conceded one goal, in addition to nearly scoring, Sanchez kept Cristiano Ronaldo in his pocket all night. Ronaldo played a full 90, but wasn’t a factor in the game, without him tracking back and pressing, Ronaldo left Portugal under Roberto Martinez playing for long stretches with 10 men. It’s the second game of three where Ronaldo has been ineffective for Portugal, all while Colombia’s midfield was creating clear goalscoring chances and Bruno Fernandes had become a passenger.
The tactics for Martinez are likely not to work, as they are set to face Croatia in the last of 32, their lack of urgency, their passive play late practically ensuring they would finish second in the group.
Vintage Performances from Camilo Vargas and James Rodriguez Setup Colombia for Clash with Ghana
James Rodriguez had one of his greatest games in a Colombia jersey, and it’s a long list. He arrived at the Portugal game looking motivated to face his friend Ronaldo, a former teammate at Real Madrid. It was Rodriguez who clearly had the better game, he had the most passes, the most touches, and the most chances created (5) of anyone on the field. The only thing his game now lacks is foot speed, the lack of pace the only thing limiting him from a prime performance, and Colombia now have enough talent around him that a prime performance isn’t required for them to win. Likewise, Luis Diaz over dribbled at times, but his teammates lifted him up when it mattered.
Camilo Vargas performance cannot be praised enough, there were questions whether Vargas should even be the starter in goal after his error led to a Uzbekistan goal on matchday 1, but he was solid against DR Congo, and then facing actual attacks and shots from Portugal, he continued to deny them and kept a clean sheet. It was a stable performance that Colombia sorely needed, and they will need him to play at that level the rest of the tournament if they are going to upset Argentina in a possible quarterfinal clash.
Ghana is next in Kansas City, with Switzerland or Algeria on deck for the last 16. Having shaken off the “dark horse” moniker, and moved into the “contender” level, no one is going to discount Colombia’s chances for the rest of this tournament.
