Daijiworld Media Network - Miami
Miami, Jun 28: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal survived a tough challenge against Colombia after playing out a goalless draw in their final Group K match, but the performance raised concerns ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Croatia.
The result came just days after Ronaldo celebrated becoming the first footballer to score in six different World Cups, declaring “I’m back” after another historic milestone.
However, Saturday night in Miami painted a different picture. The 41-year-old captain struggled to make an impact as Portugal’s attack failed to provide him with consistent service inside the box.
Portugal advanced as Group K runners-up, while Colombia finished top of the group after producing the stronger performance for long periods. Colombia will face Ghana in the knockout stage, while Portugal will take on Croatia.
Colombia dominated much of the match, recording 24 shots compared to Portugal’s 13 and forcing goalkeeper Diogo Costa into six saves. The South American side also thought they had scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner through Davinson Sanchez, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.
Costa was Portugal’s standout performer, repeatedly denying Colombia and keeping his team alive during a difficult evening.
The biggest concern for Portugal, however, came from their midfield and attacking structure.
Despite having world-class talent including Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Ruben Neves, Joao Neves, Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, Portugal lacked rhythm and attacking direction.
The team struggled to create clear opportunities, with Bruno Fernandes often dropping deep to find possession and Ronaldo repeatedly gesturing towards teammates for better movement and deliveries.
Against Uzbekistan, Portugal had found success by attacking through wide areas and supplying Ronaldo with crosses. Against Colombia, that approach disappeared, leaving the veteran forward isolated.
The performance has also raised questions over manager Roberto Martinez’s tactical approach. Critics said Portugal appeared dependent on individual brilliance rather than a clear attacking system.
Colombia, meanwhile, impressed with their attacking play but failed to convert their chances. James Rodriguez controlled several attacking moves before being substituted, while Luis Diaz, Jhon Arias and Daniel Munoz troubled Portugal’s defence.
Portugal escaped with second place, but Croatia could provide a tougher challenge in the knockout stage. A midfield led by Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic is expected to test Portugal’s ability to control possession.
The result also ended hopes of a potential quarter-final clash between Portugal and Argentina, which could have produced a first-ever World Cup meeting between Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The two football legends can now only meet in the final if both teams progress that far.
For now, Portugal have bigger issues to solve before dreaming of one final Ronaldo-Messi showdown.