Portilla's grandfather dies days before World Cup opener

Juan Camilo Portilla has lost his grandfather just days before Colombia's World Cup opener against Uzbekistan. The news arrived at the squad's Guadalajara base on Saturday, confirmed by Marca (1). Portilla has been vocal about the maturity in Néstor Lorenzo's group and the weight of representing the nation, he now carries an even heavier burden. Colombia begin Group K play at the Estadio Azteca having already shown their firepower with a 7–1 win in the build-up, but all focus now turns to how the midfielder navigates this personal blow with the whole country watching.