While wonderful and typical theatre, it was plainly ridiculous. “I’m back!” roared Cristiano Ronaldo, as if playing a key part in Portugal’s dismissal of Uzbekistan was in any way significant. Ronaldo toiled against DR Congo and was comfortably kept quiet here by Colombia. The stars have turned up at this World Cup. Ronaldo, though, still has a way to go if seeking to prove his omnipresence at this tournament will not hinder Portuguese hopes of glory.
Nobody other than Father Time has chased down Ronaldo. An alternative quote, from Trainspotting, feels more apposite than what the 41-year-old bawled into a camera as Uzbekistan were swatted aside. “Well, at one time, you’ve got it, then you lose it, and it’s gone for ever,” observed Sick Boy in an Edinburgh park. Add Ronaldo to a list that, as per the film scene, includes David Bowie, Lou Reed, Charlie Nicholas and Malcolm McLaren. Eclectic company. Ronaldo actually wants to be in the same discussion as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. He once was. Now? It is a tricky point to enforce.
Colombia were the better team in this entertaining fixture. It was curious, in fact, that it ended scoreless. Colombia believed they had won the match in stoppage time, with a Davinson Sánchez header that was ruled out for offside. If at a more material World Cup moment, it would be a decision to create rather a lot of fuss. Colombia must improve on ruthlessness if seeking to make a proper World Cup impact. Still, topping this section can be classed as a hugely encouraging start. Roberto Martínez needs more from a Portugal team that has struggled in two out of their three games thus far.
“We let Colombia have the match they wanted,” said Martínez. “We did not control possession as much as we wanted. We weren’t able to control the game or use our talent.” Portugal move on to a meeting with Croatia in the last 32. Colombia will take on Ghana.
What is it about Miami and yellow? Days after Brazilian fans dominated the scene for their victory over Scotland, it felt as if Colombian supporters accounted for 90% of the same stadium. Colombia has previous here which is not entirely pleasant, with fans storming gates at the 2024 Copa América final. This time it was orderly, fun, noisy and spectacular. Colombia are not a host nation at this World Cup but it sure felt as if they were. These supporters had no interest whatsoever in Ronaldo-mania. Which makes them rare, at least.
The game threatened to catch fire within a minute. It was unclear whether Luis Díaz intended to cross or shoot. Whatever the Bayern Munich man’s plan, a wicked deflection meant the ball spun onto the head of Jhon Córdoba. Not unreasonably, Córdoba looked surprised to be given the opportunity, which he diverted over the bar. Diogo Costa soon produced an excellent, one handed save from Córdoba.
Portugal offered little threat until a Bruno Fernandes shot that was batted away by Camilo Vargas. Ronaldo’s overhead kick from the rebound was blocked. As João Félix fired over, Portugal were finding their feet. The first half was, however, one involving shadow boxing. Ronaldo was peripheral. In his defence, he cannot be expected to create every opening for himself.
Richard Ríos slammed the ball wide of Costa’s left-hand post, from close range, shortly after the hour. Ronaldo had spurned a chance at the other end but was offside in any case. Costa saved smartly from Jhon Arias with Colombia emphasising they were not content to play for the point that would secure them top spot in Group K. Luis Suárez miskicked having created space for himself within sight of Costa’s goal. A James Rodríguez shot was desperately cleared by Renato Veiga.
Were a winner coming, it was surely for Colombia. Martínez introduced Rafael Leão from the bench in a bid to pep up Portugal’s attacking display. They almost snatched the lead via an unlikely source, Diogo Dalot curling wide after receiving a corner from Fernandes.
Sánchez believed he had won the match. So, too, did a Colombian contingent from the bench that went flooding onto the pitch. Officialdom intervened. Colombia were well worthy of upstaging Ronaldo. For now anyway.
