There are hundreds of thousands of Colombian Americans living in the Miami metropolitan area, according to U.S. Census estimates.
So it’s little wonder why Colombia’s match against Portugal on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Fla., was the most sought-after World Cup ticket of the 72 group-stage fixtures, according to a report by The Athletic.
Asked Friday what it means to be facing Colombia in such an environment, Portugal coach Robert Martinez quipped, “Well, it means I had to buy tickets for my family in November. That’s what it means. Because I knew it was going to be difficult to get tickets.”
Everyone on hand Saturday can expect a fireworks show because the match will decide Group K.
Colombia (2-0-0, 6 points) only need one point to secure top spot in the group, having swept past Uzbekistan and DR Congo. Portugal (1-0-1, 4 points) would overtake Colombia with a win.
Portugal endured a rough start to the tournament with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo. They responded to some heavy criticism with a 5-0 rout of Uzbekistan in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, becoming the first player to score a goal at six World Cups.
Martinez expects a difficult test.
“(Colombia) have players like James Rodriguez, Luis Suarez and Luis Diaz. … They transition well and they are very fast,” he said. “They work as a team, they have tactical clarity. There is quality in the players and they love being part of the national team.”
They also have Daniel Munoz, who has scored in both matches including the decider in a 1-0 win over DR Congo.
So Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo has no shortage of attacking options, but he is also managing three players carrying yellow cards: midfielder Jefferson Lerma and defenders Jhon Lucumi and Johan Mojica.
“The yellow cards are a concern, and I think the Italian referee was heavy-handed with them,” Lorenzo said in Spanish. “I don’t want to let those yellow cards affect my mindset for a match like this.”
Colombia also won’t sacrifice a structurally sound defense to throw everything at Ronaldo.
“We have to be careful with Cristiano and with everyone else,” Lorenzo said. “We cannot neglect the other players just because of one individual, as it is a very well-rounded team. Vitinha is crucial to controlling the game, while Cristiano is key to finishing plays.”
–Group L: England vs. Panama in East Rutherford, N.J.: A scoreless draw with Ghana dampened the optimistic outlook for England, but Harry Kane and the Three Lions are certain to win the group if they collect three points. They get to face the weakest opponent in the group, Panama, who have yet to score a goal and cannot advance.
–Group L: Croatia vs. Ghana in Philadelphia: If England stumble, both these teams can overtake the group favorites and steal first place in Group L with a win. Ghana are one of four teams as of Friday that haven’t allowed a goal, despite goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi missing the England match with a groin injury.
–Group K: DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan in Atlanta: Uzbekistan cannot finish top two in the group and DR Congo would need a lopsided win plus a Portugal loss. Instead, the winner here is likely to snag one of eight knockout berths for third-place finishers.
–Group J: Argentina vs. Jordan in Arlington, Texas: Expect Argentina to rotate their squad against already-eliminated Jordan as the defending champions have already clinched top spot in the group. The big question: Will Lionel Messi rest or chase more goals to add to his World Cup record of 18?
–Group J: Algeria vs. Austria in Kansas City, Mo.: These teams are tied on three points and either would clinch second place in the group with a win. Austria would be guaranteed to advance with a draw thanks to superior goal differential.
–Field Level Media
