How a thrilling stalemate between Colombia and Portugal set up two fascinating World Cup knockout ties | OneFootball

Colombia topped Group K and booked a last-32 meeting with Ghana as they fought out a pulsating 0-0 draw with Portugal in Miami.

The South Americans had the best of a string of chances at both ends and had a goal disallowed in stoppage time as Portugal hung on for the point in second spot which will see them face Croatia.

Jhon Cordoba had the first of several early openings for Colombia, heading over from Luis Diaz’s deflected shot.

Joao Felix’s cross narrowly eluded Pedro Neto at the other end, but Colombia looked more threatening as Portugal struggle to turn possession into chances.

Diogo Costa turned away Corboba’s shot after a swift break, Ruben Neves clearing an effort from Jhon Arias after a reverse pass from James Rodriguez, who was given plenty of room to pull the strings.

Cristiano Ronaldo was a largely peripheral figure, but he hit the target from a long-range free-kick which barely threatened Camilo Vargas.

The Colombian goalkeeper made an excellent save to block a close-range effort from Bruno Fernandes after a slip from Jefferson Lerma.

open image in gallery

It was a captivating clash in Miami (Reuters)

Neves fired a shot just wide as Portugal enjoyed their best spell of the first half, which ended in frantic, end-to-end fashion, Costa dealing with long-range efforts from Gustavo Puerto and Rodriguez.

After a brief lull at the start of the second half, Joao Felix headed a cross over from half-time substitute Diogo Dalot and could not connect with Ronaldo after a swift break.

Lerma forced another save from Costa, who punched the effort from distance away and got behind another shot from the Crystal Palace midfielder.

Felix was somehow allowed acres of space at the other end, slipping the ball through to Ronaldo, who rolled it wide of the post but was flagged offside after mistiming his run.

Lerma was replaced on the hour by Richard Rios who came very close with his first touch, steering an Arias cross narrowly wide of the post.

open image in gallery

Davinson Sanchez was denied a winner by the offside flag (Reuters)

Rodriguez sent substitute Luis Suarez free with a lovely ball, but his effort was blocked as he checked back to shoot while Costa turned Arias’s deflected shot out for a corner and Suarez had a penalty appeal turned down as he kicked Nuno Mendes’ leg.

Ruben Dias headed out from under his own bar and Davinson Sanchez thought he had won it in stoppage time as he headed home Juan Fernando Quintero’s cross at the back post, only for it to be ruled out by a very tight offside decision.