The game, watched by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Fifa President Gianni Infantino, was played to the backdrop of a cacophony of noise from Colombian fans.<\/p>\n
Colombia should have opened the scoring early on but Jhon Cordoba headed over from close range after being brilliantly teed up by Bayern Munich star Luis Diaz.<\/p>\n
Cordoba went close again in the 17th minute, showing some sparkling skills to shrug off a Portuguese defender and unleash a piledriver of a strike.<\/p>\n
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa did well to beat it away.<\/p>\n
Portugal have their talisman in the ageing Ronaldo but Colombia have their own in Rodriguez.<\/p>\n
In his 11th World Cup appearance – a record for his country – the 34-year-old produced a typical piece of magic, a reverse pass found Jhon Arias, whose goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Ruben Neves.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo\u2019s sole contribution was a free kick which went straight into the arms of Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who produced a save of the highest order shortly afterwards to deny Bruno Fernandes.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez was pulling the strings but he had a go himself close to the break, his shot was on target but Costa gathered it safely.<\/p>\n
The second half began at the same frenetic pace, Joao Felix should have done better than send his header way over the bar from Diogo Dalot\u2019s cross.<\/p>\n
Dalot raised his face to the sky in frustration.<\/p>\n
Colombia replied with two fine attempts at goal, Costa fisting away Jefferson Lerma\u2019s shot and then Jhon Arias let fly from long range.<\/p>\n
Ronaldo\u2019s blushes were spared when he shot wide with just the goalkeeper to beat, but he was flagged for offside.<\/p>\n
Colombia midfielder Richard Rios went close just seconds after coming on. Perhaps caught a bit cold he wasted an excellent chance to break the deadlock.<\/p>\n
Costa was having a cracking game, fortunately for his weary defenders who were being run ragged by the vibrant Colombian attack, as he brilliantly denied Jhon Arias.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez departed after a fine performance with 15 minutes remaining but Portugal coach Roberto Martinez preferred to replace others such as Felix and Vitinha while keeping Ronaldo on despite his being largely ineffective.<\/p>\n
Costa came to the rescue again with the clock ticking down, sticking out a leg to clear a dangerous cross but the ball fell to Luis Suarez whose bicycle kick went over the bar.<\/p>\n
Colombia looked to have finally got the goal they deserved when Sanchez headed home at the back post – but it was ruled out for offside, seemingly by a toe, even after a VAR referral.<\/p>\n
He wagged his finger in disagreement and the Colombian fans groaned in disappointment but they at least had reason to celebrate finishing top of the group.<\/p>\n