Colombia wins Group K after 0-0 draw with Portugal

Colombia secured top spot in Group K after a 0-0 draw against Portugal on Saturday, with both teams already assured of places in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage before kickoff.

The result means Colombia will face Ghana in the Round of 32 after the African side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Croatia earlier in the day. Portugal, runners-up in the group, will meet Croatia.

Both sides created several scoring opportunities in an entertaining contest. Portugal's Bruno Fernandes was denied by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas in the first half, while Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced six saves—more than he managed in his previous two matches combined. Colombia thought it had claimed victory in stoppage time through Davinson Sanchez, but his header was ruled out for offside.

Portugal endured an inconsistent group campaign, opening with a surprise 1-1 draw against DR Congo before Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.

Colombia, absent from the 2022 World Cup, advanced after beating Uzbekistan 3-1 and DR Congo 1-0.

The match at the Miami Dolphins' stadium attracted a sellout crowd of 64,478, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, former Colombian star Carlos Valderrama, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, FBI Director Kash Patel, actor Matt Damon, NBA player Jimmy Butler and former NFL quarterback Jameis Winston, reports UNB.