Colombia vs Portugal Predictions
Colombia and Portugal battle for top spot in Group K, and I expect an entertaining contest in Miami.
BTTS looks a solid value pick, while I also fancy the South Americans to emerge with at least a point.
BTTS Likely in Group K Showdown
- Colombia have seen BTTS in 4 of their last 6 matches
- Colombia are unbeaten in 13 of their last 15 matches
- Portugal have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 4 matches
- Portugal conceded 1+ goals in 14 of their last 18 matches
- Portugal failed to win 3 of their last 5 matches (competitive fixtures)
Colombia and Portugal Meet for First Time
Colombia and Portugal will meet for the first time at a major international tournament when they clash at Hard Rock Stadium.
Colombia Secure Back-to-Back Wins
Colombia secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a hard-fought 1-0 win against DR Congo last time out. Daniel Munoz's late goal ensured qualification with a game to spare for Los Cafeteros.
Colombia dominated for long spells, registering 20 shots and nine efforts on target, while they also had three goals disallowed.
Wednesday's victory in Guadalajara followed a confident 3-1 win against Uzbekistan in their Group K opener. Nestor Lorenzo's men have taken maximum points from their first two fixtures and require only a draw to finish top of the section.
The Argentine boss has made his Colombian side tough to beat. The South Americans are unbeaten in their last seven competitive fixtures.
Strong in the forward areas, Lorenzo's side have averaged 2.4 goals per game across 12 games played since September last year.
Portugal Respond in Style
Portugal bounced back from a frustrating opening draw against DR Congo with a dominant 5-0 win against Uzbekistan earlier this week. Forty-one-year-old forward Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Roberto Martinez's side eased to victory at NRG Stadium.
Goals from Nuno Mendes, Abduvokhid Nematov (OG) and Rafa Leao ensured an emphatic victory for the Europeans.
Portugal, and Cristiano Ronaldo in particular, had come in for criticism after failing to beat DR Congo in their opening Group K contest. However, the veteran forward showed his eye for goal remains as sharp as ever with two expertly taken first-half goals in Houston.
Martinez's men now require a point to secure second position in Group K, while victory will ensure they finish top of the section.
Occasionally vulnerable at the back, Portugal conceded at least one goal in four competitive fixtures (excluding friendlies) before their clean sheet against the Uzbeks.
Over a longer period, the Portuguese leaked at least one goal in 14 of their last 18 matches.
Squads and Team News
Colombia Squad
Goalkeepers: David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, Alvaro Montero
Defenders: Daniel Munoz, Jhon Lucumi, Santiago Arias, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Willer Ditta, Deiver Machado, Davinson Sanchez
Midfielders: Kevin Castano, Richard Rios, Jorge Carrascal, James Rodriguez, Jhon Arias, Gustavo Puerta, Juan Portilla, Jefferson Lerma, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jaminton Campaz
Forwards: Luis Diaz, Jhon Cordoba, Cucho Hernandez, Luis Suarez, Andres Gomez
Colombia have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their final Group K fixture. Nestor Lorenzo could be tempted to make one or two changes with qualification already secured.
Luis Diaz is expected to feature with Luis Suarez in the forward positions, while Daniel Munoz is expected to start again after scoring in the win against DR Congo.
Lorenzo urged his side to be aware of Portugal's attacking threat and warned against focusing only on Cristiano Ronaldo.
“You have to be very careful and not leave him alone in different situations, especially whenever he is close to the goal area,” Lorenzo said. “But Portugal is a complete team. You should not only point out Cristiano.”
Portugal Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva
Defenders: Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo, Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga, Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Matheus Nunes, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Samu Costa
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, Goncalo Guedes, Francisco Conceicao
Portugal boss Martinez is likely to stick with the same side that eased past Uzbekistan.
Cristiano Ronaldo should continue to lead the attack after his fine brace, while Joao Felix and Pedro Neto are likely to provide width from the flanks.
The former Belgium head coach picked Ronaldo out for special praise after Portugal's emphatic win earlier this week.
"Regarding our captain, there is the aspect of being the icon, who is in his sixth World Cup, but then there is the captain of the national team. He is an example of what it represents to play for the national team.”
“I'm very happy for him; he deserves this, but I already know he's recovering and preparing for the next game. And it's that simplicity that makes him unique."