MIAMI, June 25 - Portugal and Colombia meet in their final Group K match with both teams already all but assured of a place in the round of 32. The real contest is for first place, which guarantees a fixture against a third-placed side, while the runner-up could land England, Croatia or Ghana.
Portugal winger Pedro Neto acknowledged the squad studies possible scenarios but stressed the priority is to win. “Our mentality is to finish first,” he said. “We are going to face Colombia to finish first.”
Colombia, the 2024 Copa America runners-up, have blended attacking flair with defensive resilience, winning both their matches. Portugal’s path has been shakier: a goalless draw with DRC drew criticism, followed by a 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan. Cristiano Ronaldo ended a 10-game tournament goal drought with a brace, easing pressure on the 41-year-old as other stars shine in the Golden Boot race.
A draw is enough for Colombia to top the group, forcing Portugal to seize the initiative in Miami’s stifling 87°F (30.5°C) heat.