Colombia and Portugal battle for top spot in Group K as the World Cup knockout rounds near.
Roberto Martinez’s men made a slow start to the tournament with a drab draw against DR Congo heightening the scrutiny both on the manager and on record scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, but a thrashing of Uzbekistan represented a return to form. Progression as group winners will be secure with victory in Miami, though Colombia have looked in strong form so far and need only a draw to set up a meeting with a third-place finisher.
There is plenty to consider at the bottom of the group, too, with both DR Congo and Uzbekistan in theory capable of qualifying for the last 32. The African side are more strongly placed, and will book their spot in the knockouts with a win. Second spot is not out of reach – though a huge goal difference swing would be required…
Follow all of the latest as Group K reaches a conclusion with our live blog below:
Team news – Portugal
Roberto Martinez takes no chances – it’s a full strength Portugal side.
Portugal XI: Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha; Neto, Fernandes, Felix; Ronaldo.
Team news on the way…
Right, team news should be with us shortly ahead of the Group K settlers. Will there be any surprises?
Third-place rankings: How they stand in race to reach World Cup knockout stages
Here are the third place standings currently – can DR Congo join those through to the knockout rounds?
What do DR Congo need to qualify?
DR Congo are currently on one point and will know a win against Uzbekistan is a must if they want to progress. Doing so will take them to four points which will be enough for them to go through in third.
A significant win could even see them leapfrog Portugal into second if the Selecao lose to Colombia. The primary focus, though, is victory by any margin.
What do Portugal need to qualify?
Portugal are already home and dry as far as their knockouts progression is concern – they sit on four points which will be enough for them to go through as one of the eight-best third-placed teams, at the very least.
A win will see Portugal leapfrog already-qualified Colombia into first, while a draw would be enough to secure a runners-up finish.
How Group K looks
Here’s how the ladder looks in Group K entering the final round of fixtures.
Colombia vs Portugal LIVE
Colombia and Portugal battle for top spot in Group K as the World Cup knockout rounds near. Victory is a must for Cristiano Ronaldo and co. after their draw against DR Congo in the first round of fixtures, while the South Americans will progress as group winers provided they avoid defeat in Miami.
Kick off is at 12.30am BST.
