Colombia Top Group After VAR Denies Davinson Sánchez's Late Winner Against Portugal

Colombia finished top of Group K after a goalless draw with Portugal in Miami on Sunday, though the game will be remembered for a controversial late offside call that denied Davinson Sanchez what would have been a dramatic winner. 

The former Tottenham defender headed home in the 90th minute only to be ruled marginally offside, with replays showing his right toe was fractionally beyond the line when the cross was delivered. Both sides had already qualified for the round of 32 before kick-off, with the result only determining who finished first and second in the group.

Colombia will face Ghana in Kansas City on July 4, while Portugal take on Croatia in Toronto on July 3, a day less rest than their opponents.

Despite the goalless scoreline, it was one of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far. A remarkable 37 shots were attempted across the 90 minutes, with Colombia accounting for 24 of them, their highest ever recorded tally in a World Cup match. The atmosphere inside Miami Stadium was electric, driven by a crowd made up largely of the local Colombian community of south Florida.

Colombia were the brighter side from the start. Jhon Cordoba headed over inside the first minute before being denied by a stunning one-handed save from Diogo Costa shortly after. Portugal grew into the game in the latter stages of the first half, with Camilo Vargas making a point-blank save to keep out Bruno Fernandes.

The second half saw Colombia come forward in waves. Richard Rios and Gustavo Puerta both went close, and Luis Suarez somehow hooked a volley over an open goal before Sanchez's header was chalked off to the dismay of the Colombia supporters.

James Rodriguez was the standout player of the match, turning back the clock to his brilliant 2014 form as he completed 38 passes in the final third and drove Colombia forward throughout. He was substituted to a standing ovation, making his 11th World Cup appearance, a record for a Colombian player.

Ronaldo, who had scored twice in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, was largely peripheral here as he had been in Portugal's opening draw with DR Congo. Portugal held on in the second half but were fortunate to come away with a point on the balance of play.

Colombia go into the knockout rounds unbeaten and in fine form. Portugal, projected to face Spain in the last 16, will need more from Ronaldo if they are to go deep in the tournament.