Colombia and Portugal battle for top spot in Group K as the World Cup knockout rounds near.
Roberto Martinez’s men made a slow start to the tournament with a drab draw against DR Congo heightening the scrutiny both on the manager and on record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, but a thrashing of Uzbekistan represented a return to form. Progression as group winners will be secure with victory in Miami, though Colombia have looked in strong form so far and need only a draw to set up a meeting with a third-place finisher.
There is plenty to consider at the bottom of the group, too, with both DR Congo and Uzbekistan in theory capable of qualifying for the last 32. The African side are more strongly placed, and will book their spot in the knockouts with a win. Second spot is not out of reach – though a huge goal difference swing would be required…
Follow all of the latest as Group K reaches a conclusion with our live blog below:
Colombia wary of Vitinha and Cristiano Ronaldo
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo said his team would need to be especially tactically disciplined in their World Cup Group K decider against Portugal to deal with the threats posed by Vitinha and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Colombians need to avoid defeat to advance as group winners but Lorenzo was taking nothing for granted against a team he considers one of the favourites to win the World Cup.
“We’ll try to maintain our style and our footballing identity,” he told reporters on Friday. “But without a doubt, we have to pay attention to `the other characteristics and strengths (Portugal) has. It’s a very well-coached team. They have a coach and players who are at the elite level of world football … and that `shows in their game.
“Both Vitinha and Ronaldo are decisive players. One in the organisation of the game and the quality of his playmaking, and the other in finishing. So we absolutely cannot leave them alone or neglect them. Hopefully the team collective will be well-oiled.”I think we need special tactical discipline tomorrow in order to counter both the way Vitinha starts and drives the team’s play, and the finishing ability of Ronaldo, which requires special attention.”
Team news – Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan XI: Nematov; Alijonov, Khusanov, Ashurmatov Urozov, Nasrullaev; Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Khamdamov, Fayzullaev; Shomurodov.
Team news – DR Congo
DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Cipenga, Bakambu, Wissa.
Team news – Colombia
Luis Suarez is only on the bench for Colombia after an injury scare, with Jhon Cordoba deployed up front.
Colombia XI: Vargas; S Arias, Sanches, Lucumi, Machado; Lerma, Puerta; J Arias, Rodriguez, Diaz; Cordoba.
Team news – Portugal
Roberto Martinez takes no chances – it’s a full strength Portugal side.
Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo.
Team news on the way…
Right, team news should be with us shortly ahead of the Group K settlers. Will there be any surprises?
Third-place rankings: How they stand in race to reach World Cup knockout stages
Here are the third place standings currently – can DR Congo join those through to the knockout rounds?
What do DR Congo need to qualify?
DR Congo are currently on one point and will know a win against Uzbekistan is a must if they want to progress. Doing so will take them to four points which will be enough for them to go through in third.
A significant win could even see them leapfrog Portugal into second if the Selecao lose to Colombia. The primary focus, though, is victory by any margin.
What do Portugal need to qualify?
Portugal are already home and dry as far as their knockouts progression is concern – they sit on four points which will be enough for them to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams, at the very least.
A win will see Portugal leapfrog already-qualified Colombia into first, while a draw would be enough to secure a runners-up finish.
