After scoring two goals against Uzbekistan, Cristiano Ronaldo was subdued and failed to score against Colombia. In the match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the 41-year-old forward played the full 90 minutes, touching the ball 35 times, completing 81% of his passes, and having three shots, one on target. He made seven carries and lost possession eight times. Despite Portugal needing a win to secure the top spot in the group, coach Martinez did not bring on forwards Goncalo Ramos and Goncalo Guedes.

Coach Martinez explained his personnel decisions after the match: "Ronaldo is a center forward. He makes crucial movements in the penalty area, and we need the entire team to synchronize with those movements. We monitor all physical metrics in real time, and Ronaldo played very well. He is in excellent physical condition."

Cristiano Ronaldo (in red) shoots during Portugal's 0-0 draw against Colombia in the final group K match of the World Cup 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, US on 28/6. Photo: AP

While Ronaldo, at 41, played all three group stage matches, Lionel Messi did not do the same for Argentina. Messi was substituted late in the second half against Algeria, was a substitute against Jordan, and only played the full 90 minutes against Austria. When asked about this, Martinez rejected any comparisons. The Spanish coach emphasized: "We do not compare players with each other. Doing so is unprofessional, and only children do that."

In their final group stage match, Portugal was somewhat outplayed, controlling possession for only 45% of the game. They had 13 shots with two on target, compared to Colombia's 26 shots and six on target. The European representative relied on goalkeeper Diogo Costa's skill to keep a clean sheet. Despite this, Martinez believed Portugal deserved praise for limiting the impact of Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, and for overcoming the pressure from the fervent atmosphere created by numerous Colombian fans in the stands. The 52-year-old coach assessed that Portugal created enough chances to win but lacked sharpness.

"Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix both had scoring opportunities," he said. "In matches like these, especially heading into the knockout stage, it is important to capitalize on chances to score early and control the game. We failed to do that."

*Ronaldo drifts wide and crosses high into the box.

Portugal drew 1-1 with Congo, won 5-0 against Uzbekistan, and drew 0-0 with Colombia. They finished second in group K and will face Croatia in the round of 16 at BMO Field, Canada at 6h on 3/7, Hanoi time.

Despite winning only one of their three group stage matches, Martinez maintained that Portugal remains a title contender. He confidently stated: "I have never changed my mind. Our goal has not changed. The three group stage matches were a process for the team to mature, overcome difficult moments, and prepare for the knockout stage."

He added that Portugal is now more confident and ready after the first three matches, dismissing the notion that finishing second in the group and having one less day of rest would affect their chances of progressing further. According to the Spanish coach, Croatia will present a completely different challenge compared to Colombia. He noted: "The two teams have completely different styles. Therefore, we will prepare differently."

Hong Duy (according to Abola)