Pre-match: 2026 World Cup (Group K): Colombia vs. Portugal (6/27/26 – Saturday – 7:30 PM EST)

Well the good thing is that our players are faster than them; Portugal with all their talent aren't known for their pace.

 

Not in the middle of the field, but on the wings Munoz and Mojica need to be very careful.

 

I would like to see Machado in this match.

 

as much as I would like to see that lineup, I dont see that many changes. I think lerma and mojica sit because of the yellow cards with Portilla and machado in their place.

one thing is for sure, we cannot sit back. we are terrible at it.

 

It could be Castano. I rather see Portilla.

 

I'd like this but ya wouldn't happen. I really just want to see Puerta, Rios, Arias and James together at some point this tournament at minimum. The possession and movement we could have would be insane, Puerta has opened so many doors (ayo) now that we have another competent midfielder on the ball who also has great defensive work rate.

It hurts Rios he isn't getting showcased but Puerta is lining himself up for a good move after this World Cup. Also going forward our midfield is now looking pretty damn good, Rios/Solis/Puerta midfield 3 with Arias on the right gives us plenty of on ball ability to make up for James.

 

I think it is more likely we see Castano-Puerta than Portilla or Rios stepping in.

 

Gross.

 

I wouldn't be having James on this game.
It is a game where Colombia will most def have to defend and put pressure on Portugal because this time we will not have ball all of the time.

Portugal has a powerful attack that will need way more defending than in previous games

 

Almost everyone thinks it is gross other than Lorenzo.

 

James needs to step up then. While i am happy that we have other players carrying their weight, we need him to start showing that magic that is needed in a world cup to suceed.

He put himself in this mess by being lazy and after two forgettable matches in a row, he better decide if he wants to be remembered for the right reasons or not.

 

I think we are at a point that he is just not capable of it. We played two sides that gave us plenty of posession and he simply doesnt have it.
as mentioned by someone already he hasnt played for a while and it shows. unfortunately Lorenzo doesnt have the balls to sit him down. all at our expense

 

I'd love that lineup and while I like that Gomez and Diaz will keep Cancelo and Mendes pinned, it also raises the question of how well will Machado deal with an attack from that side. I also like Arias and Suarez roamming in between a rather slow pair of CBs and two CMs that attack a lot but could leave space behind them.

 

To me Rios and Puerta both like to go forward too much and attack. When that does not work ( it probably won’t ) then it forces Puerta to come back and be the main link between the back line and midfield. Which really hinders his game and our overall fluidity.

Portilla makes more sense along side Puerta or Rios but it will probably be Castano in that type of formation sadly.

 

I don’t think he changes the team that has 6 points and dominated 2 games just a little unlucky to not score more

James starts and if he doesn’t I pray it’s Gomez or we play with 2 strikers which I don’t see likely.

maybe he goes with Rios as he is better defensively than Puerta but for me Puerta has been our MVP. Benching him is stupid

 

The main reason he would do it is to protect the players with yellows from getting another yellow.
That may force him to experiment.

 

here you go.... for those who don't want to lose guys on Yellow.

We can win the round of 32 with mostly subs.... it's going to take a miracle to beat Spain then France.

Stay the heck out of that lane.

They have to come out and try to score early they need the win. We are good with a tie.

Now what worries me is any remote foul near our area a BS pk. Tho think Fifa would prefer a WC Final of Messi v Ronaldo but that is up to us.

We need to win this game. If we go colombian about it to tie.... we are going to end up getting a bunch of yellows/red and losing.

 

I don't like that graphic.. it's abit misleading..

For us to match England in RD of 32 we'll have to assume England loses to Panama and Ghana and Croatia to have a high-scoring tied game.

 

round of 32 doesn't matter its 16 then 8

would you rather play Swiss/Belgium or Spain? That seems like an easy choice

would you rather play France or Argentina. Feel we can beat Argentina 4/10 times trying even more if the refs are fair

France.... that is a 1/10 or 2/10 chance

 

This is a match that I am looking forward to the most as the group stages come to a close. This one could be a back and forth battle with a lot of goals being scored.

 

this match shows if we are a contender or not

beating a full strength Portugal with Ronaldo wanting his WC. Will change lots of minds about us. Tho rather win the round of 32 game then this meaningless one

it’s more round of 16 is so much more accessible if we win this game.

final 8 is Norway, Argentina or France so crazy difficult either way

 

I agree, The 1st group game for Portugal against DR Congo was a surprise and what I think you will see is more of what Portugal brought in the 2nd game over Uzbekistan, Colombia will have to be on the top of their game to pull this one out, but they are certainly capable of doing it.