Colombia secured the top spot in Group K after a scoreless draw against Portugal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The result came following a dramatic late video assistant referee decision that overturned a Colombian goal.
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The draw allowed Colombia to advance to the round of 32 as group leaders with seven points.
Portugal finished second with five points, also progressing to the knockout stage.
In the final minutes, Davinson Sánchez headed the ball into the net from a set-piece cross.
However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a video review showed the tip of his boot was past the defensive line.
During the television broadcast, commentators reacted with astonishment at the incredibly narrow margin. "By a toenail," said Stu Holden, Fox color analyst.
Play-by-play commentator John Strong emphasized that the match officials correctly applied the strict definitions of the law despite the microscopic distance involved.
"The right call," Strong said.
Holden further marveled at the decision while looking at the technology-enhanced replays. "That's a size-10 instead of a size-9 cleat," he said.
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The analyst expressed continued amazement as the broadcast feed showed the definitive angle. "Wow," Holden added.
Meanwhile, football fans on social media criticized Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo and expressed frustration over the officiating. "WHAT IS WRONG WITH RONALDO," wrote a fan on X.
Other observers mocked the veteran attacker for attempting a long-range set piece that failed to challenge the Colombian goalkeeper.
"How did the goalie save this?? Ronaldo nearly bangs the 40 yard free kick," wrote another fan.
Some accounts alleged that the video review system was used unfairly to protect the European side.
"Israeli Assisted Referee now intervening to save Ronaldo from losing to Columbia," wrote a fan on X.
International media outlets also highlighted the tight refereeing decision. "UNUSUAL: this is why Colombia didn't beat Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
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Goal disallowed in stoppage time to Davinson Sánchez," wrote Bolavip Argentina on X.
