Highlights of FIFA World Cup 2026

Despite the lack of goals, the contest was full of chances, last-minute saves and impressive goalkeeping, particularly from Portugal’s Diogo Costa, who repeatedly kept his side in the game.

Colombia dominated the early exchanges

Colombia started the attack aggressively and the deadlock was almost broken inside two minutes when Jhon Córdoba’s deflected effort went just wide of the crossbar.

The South Americans continued to press, forcing Portugal on the back foot. Costa was called into action in the 17th minute, making a superb save to thwart a vigorous Córdoba attack, but Ruben Neves later made a superb goal-line clearance to deny Colombia the lead.

Portugal struggled to maintain ball possession and preferred to slow down the pace while Colombia controlled the midfield and created the better chances.

Cristiano Ronaldo won a dangerous free-kick near the penalty area midway through the half, but Portugal failed to take advantage.

Bruno Fernandes missed Portugal’s best chance of the opening period in the 39th minute when his close-range effort was brilliantly saved, before Joao Félix fired a narrow shot over the crossbar a few minutes later.

At the other end, James Rodriguez forced Costa into another excellent save in first-half stoppage time as the teams entered the break tied at 0–0.

Costa stands tall after the break

Portugal made two changes at halftime, replacing Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves with Diogo Dalot and Joao Neves to inject more energy.

The changes improved Portugal’s attacking threat somewhat. Dalot delivered a dangerous cross for Joao Felix, whose header went harmlessly wide, before the full-back created another golden opportunity for Ronaldo with an inch-perfect delivery. The Portugal captain failed to keep his effort on target from close range.

Colombia continued to threaten through long-range efforts, with Jefferson Lerma forcing another excellent save from Costa in the 54th minute.

Luis Suarez and Leos were introduced just after the hour mark as Colombia looked for a winner. Leos went close almost immediately and dragged a shot inches wide of the post, while Suárez saw a powerful strike blocked by Gabriel Veiga.

Portugal responded with renewed vigor of their own as Rafa Leão and Samu Costa entered the contest, but Colombia remained the more dangerous side.

VAR denies Colombia late winner

As the clock approached the final minutes, Diogo Costa once again proved decisive, punching away a dangerous delivery and then reacting sharply to deny another Colombian chance.

Late drama arose five minutes into stoppage time when Davinson Sanchez thought he had won the match, heading home from a set-piece. However, the celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee’s flag immediately went up, with VAR confirming that the Colombian defender had strayed into offside.

The goal was disallowed, ensuring that the match ended goalless.

According to the results Colombia advanced as group winners, while Portugal also advanced after finishing second. Roberto Martínez’s side now face Croatia in the round of 32, while Colombia enter the knockout stages unbeaten and full of confidence after another disciplined defensive display.