Colombia win Group K as Messi-Ronaldo quarter-final falls away

Colombia held Portugal to a 0-0 draw at Hard Rock Stadium to win Group K, outplaying their illustrious opponents in a result with major bracket consequences. With Portugal slipping to second, the long-awaited quarter-final between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is now off — the pair can only meet in the final. Colombia, the better side throughout, advance as group winners full of confidence.

How it unfolded: Colombia dominant, a goal disallowed

Colombia controlled the contest and carved the better chances, with a late Sanchez strike ruled out for offside by the finest of margins. Portugal were uncharacteristically passive and grateful for the point, the goalless scoreline flattering Roberto Martinez's side. Colombia's only failing was not converting their dominance.

Context: the Ronaldo workload question returns

Cristiano Ronaldo again played every minute, and the workload is becoming a concern — the 'Ronaldo problem' resurfacing as Portugal lean heavily on their talisman deep into the tournament. Finishing second hands them a tougher route and ends the prospect of a Messi-Ronaldo quarter-final that much of the football world had hoped for, leaving the final as the only stage the two greats could now meet. For Colombia, it was a statement display: dominant, composed and unlucky not to win, a performance that marks them as a side few will want to face in the knockouts.

The table: Colombia top, DR Congo make history

Colombia finished top of Group K on seven points, Portugal second on five (despite a better goal difference), DR Congo third on four to reach the knockouts for the first time ever, and Uzbekistan bottom and out. Colombia face Ghana in the Round of 32, Portugal meet Croatia. Our forecast of over 2.5 goals missed in a goalless draw, as Colombia's dominance went unrewarded on the scoreboard.