The game of the group stage in Group K. Portugal — with Cristiano Ronaldo leading a golden generation's final roll of the dice — face Colombia, Copa América runners-up and one of the most entertaining sides at this tournament. Both teams are already through, but this clash is about pride and seeding.
Luis Díaz versus Rúben Dias. James Rodríguez versus Bruno Fernandes. This is the kind of fixture the expanded World Cup was designed to produce more of.
Néstor Lorenzo has Colombia playing with genuine freedom. James orchestrates from deep, Díaz and Cuadrado terrorise fullbacks, and Falcao — defying his years — leads the line with the strength of a man half his age. They press, they attack, they entertain.
Martínez's Portugal are more compact than their reputation suggests. Bruno Fernandes controls the tempo; Bernardo Silva works the spaces between the lines. The goal threat is enormous, but Ronaldo at 41 is a symbol as much as a footballer — he still delivers when it matters.
An end-to-end first half. James Rodríguez — playing with vintage grace — threads a pass to Díaz who chips the keeper. Colombia lead. The stadium erupts.
Portugal respond with urgency. Ronaldo — of course it's Ronaldo — equalises with a header from a Fernandes cross just before the break. 1–1. The second half is a chess match with both teams unwilling to lose. Neither can find a winner. Final: Colombia 1–1 Portugal. Two giants go through — both knowing they'll face each other again deeper in the tournament.
A chipped finish from a James Rodríguez through ball. Silky, impudent, brilliant.
A header from a Bruno Fernandes cross. At 41 years old. Because of course.
The 2014 Golden Boot winner has found his feet again. Playing as a number 10 with Colombia's full trust, James is pulling strings like it's Brazil all over again. Don't count him out for another tournament assist award.