Colombia through to last 16, Portugal and Ronaldo await

Through to the last 16 with a game to spare

Colombia are into the knockout stage. A 1–0 win over DR Congo on Wednesday sealed it (1) (2). Your team did not sparkle, but it did not need to. The job is done and progression is secure before the final group match.

Portugal and Cristiano up next for top spot

Sunday's match against Portugal decides who wins Group K. Néstor Lorenzo made his feelings clear about Cristiano Ronaldo: "Cristiano is an amazing player, he is one of the best players in the world, a juggernaut" (1). Colombia need only a draw to top the group, but Lorenzo framed it as a test of where this squad truly stands.

Quintero's left foot, straight from James

Juanfer Quintero came off the bench against DR Congo and delivered a decisive assist. James Rodríguez did not hold back afterwards: "Tiene una zurda única", he has a unique left foot (3). The two playmakers have a connection that could become invaluable deeper in the tournament.

"You can't imagine what we can achieve"

A Colombia player with two group stage goals is bullish about the team's ceiling. "No se imaginan lo que podemos lograr en Colombia," he told Marca, you can't imagine what we can achieve (4). The confidence inside the camp is unmistakable.

A Boca lineage begins in Colombia

A Colombia-born son of a former Boca Juniors player has signed his first professional contract with the reserve team (5). A small story now, but one to file away.

Fan reactions

Colombia fans are relieved more than euphoric after the DR Congo win. The Reddit breakdown focused on defensive solidity and the impact of Quintero off the bench, with several pointing out that Colombia are among the few teams who could finish the group stage on nine points alongside the tournament's biggest names. Read the full discussion