Colombia picked up 28 points in eighteen matches—only Ecuador and Argentina performed better, while Paraguay, Uruguay, and even Brazil also finished with the same tally. In friendlies, the only setback came in March when they lost to Croatia and France, but then they returned to winning ways, defeating Costa Rica and Jordan. It wasn’t easy against Uzbekistan, but they still managed to win. Against DR Congo, Colombia secured another victory, though with more difficulty.
Portugal won the Nations League a year ago. After that, they finished top of their qualifying group, amassing thirteen points in six matches. In friendlies, after a 0-0 draw with Mexico, they beat the USA, Chile, and Nigeria. Against another African side, DR Congo, at the tournament itself, they settled for a draw. Against Uzbekistan, however, they put on a rout with a Ronaldo brace.
The South American side averages two goals scored per match, conceding significantly less—just 0.8 per game. Roberto Martínez’s team has similar stats: 2.4 goals scored per match and 0.8 conceded.
Previous Matches: Colombia vs Portugal
Surprisingly, this will be the first-ever meeting between these teams.
Ronaldo and company are expected to win here. However, both national teams are solid defensively—take the “total under 2.5 goals” (odds: 1.80).
Colombia vs Portugal: Key Statistics and Trends
Colombia have won eight of their last twelve matches
50% of Colombia’s matches end with both teams scoring; the average total goals per match is 2.8
Portugal have won five of their last seven games
50% of Portugal’s matches end with both teams scoring; the average total goals per match is 3.2
Colombia vs Portugal: Probable Starting Lineups
Colombia is expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Vargas – Mojica, Lucumí, Sánchez, Muñoz – Arias, Lerma – Puerta, Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez – Suárez
Portugal is expected to play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Diogo Costa – Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo – Vitinha, João Neves – João Félix, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto – Cristiano Ronaldo.
