World Cup: Colombia hold Portugal to seal top spot in Group K

Colombia won top position in Group K after drawing 0-0 with Portugal in an enthralling FIFA World Cup match in Miami where they were denied a winning strike by offside flag in an incident which caused controversy at the end of regulation time.

Colombians thought that they would emerge as victors in the 90th minute when defender Davinson Sánchez found the net after meeting a cross with a header from the edge of the six-yard box. But the assistant referee’s flag put an end to their hopes as the replays revealed that the Colombian defender’s toe went slightly past the last man on Portugal before he met the ball with his head.

While this decision was right according to the Laws of the Game, it did not go down well with the Colombians who felt they deserved a victory due to domination in the game.

The outcome was sufficient for Colombia to top the table while Portugal claimed the second position in the group.

Fueled by thousands of ecstatic fans wearing yellow shirts, Colombia began very aggressively and came within inches of scoring an opener in less than a minute after Jhon Córdoba nodded over the bar.

The player, who had returned to the team lineup, was robbed of the chance by a sensational save from Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, making one of his best saves of the match.

Portugal slowly got into the flow of the game with their captain Cristiano Ronaldo at the helm. But the 41-year-old had to play alone for most part of the match as Colombia defended effectively against him.

The best chance for the Europeans in the first half was created by Bruno Fernandes as his shot from close range was brilliantly saved by Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

With renewed vigor, Colombia started the second half and threatened the Portuguese goal on many occasions. Richard Ríos and Gustavo Puerta, both from midfield, nearly scored, and Luis Suárez wasted a golden chance by firing above the open goal.

It appeared that the South Americans finally got what they were looking for when Sánchez scored against Costa towards the end, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside verdict confirmed through replays.

Undeservedly, but still, Colombia ended up being the winner of Group K by drawing a World Cup game for the first time since they lost to England in 1998.

Portugal, for their part, will continue their journey in the knock-out round as second-placed team, both now focusing on advancing to the last 32 of the competition.