Portugal survived a major late scare against Colombia as the two sides played out a tense 0-0 draw in their final FIFA World Cup Group K match on Saturday night.
The goalless stalemate at Hard Rock Stadium was enough for both nations to secure qualification to the Round of 32, although Colombia finished top of Group K while Portugal advanced as runners-up.
The match looked destined to end without a goal until Colombia thought they had snatched a dramatic winner in the closing stages. The South Americans erupted in celebration after finding the back of the net, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside decision. The semi-automated offside system detected that the Colombian attacker was narrowly ahead of the last Portuguese defender, leaving players and fans stunned.
Colombia had been the better side for large spells of the contest, creating several clear chances and forcing Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa into a number of crucial saves. Portugal, meanwhile, struggled to impose themselves but managed to withstand the Colombian pressure to secure the point they needed.
The result means Colombia finish at the summit of Group K and will face Ghana in the Round of 32. Portugal, who ended the group stage unbeaten, will now take on Croatia in what promises to be a thrilling knockout encounter.
Despite the heartbreak of the disallowed goal, Colombia can take confidence from an impressive group-stage campaign that saw them remain unbeaten and top a challenging group. Portugal, meanwhile, will know significant improvement is needed if they are to progress further in the tournament after a difficult outing against the South Americans.
