All eyes will once again be on Cristiano Ronaldo to see if the 41-year-old forward really is back and can fire Portugal to victory over Colombia at
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After failing to qualify in 2022, Colombia set a national record by going 28 games unbeaten before losing the 2024 Copa America final on penalties to Argentina. That remarkable run raised expectations and there is genuine belief among the players that they can go deep in the tournament in North America.
While it had been presumed that James Rodriguez, who created 56 chances in qualifying, would be the catalyst to World Cup success, it is actually the performances (and goals) of full-back Daniel Munoz that have propelled Los Cafeteros to consecutive victories.
Crystal Palace fans need no introduction to his strengths in attack, and Portugal will have to be on high alert to stop him from adding to his tally.
Rightfully seen as potential winners thanks to their Nations League triumph, strength in depth and world-class midfield, Portugal managed just one shot on target in their opening game as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
They bounced back in some style against Uzbekistan, with Ronaldo delivering a message to his critics as he declared “I am back” at the TV cameras at the end of the game. Because the question we were all asking was whether you can still do it at a climate-controlled stadium against Uzbekistan.
While Ronaldo and his team-mates stepped up a level in that thumping victory, they will face a stern test of their World Cup-winning credentials against Colombia. Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Vitinha will again load the bullets, while Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo offer width.
Colombia vs Portugal: Group K
FourFourTwo’s prediction
Colombia 2-2 Portugal
FourFourTwo expects an entertaining game with nothing to separate the two sides.
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