Portugal seeks group top spot against already-qualified Colombia in Miami humidity as Martínez downplays weather and crowd

The third match of Group K pits Portugal against Colombia at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, with first place and a potentially simpler last-16 path on the line. Colombia, already through with two wins, needs only a draw to secure the top spot; Portugal, on four points, must win to leapfrog the South Americans.

Preparation and conditions

Thunderstorms interrupted Portugal’s final training sessions, but Martínez insisted the work for this fixture began months ago. “We started preparing the game with Colombia back in March… We’ve already done 13 training sessions here in Miami to adapt to the climate,” he told reporters. He also noted that the team would effectively be playing away, given the overwhelming number of Colombian fans who bought up tickets as early as November.

Threats on both sides

Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo singled out Vitinha and Cristiano Ronaldo as the players requiring constant vigilance. “Vitinha controls the game and Ronaldo finishes it; we cannot leave them alone,” he warned. Lorenzo described Portugal as one of the tournament favourites but promised his side would stay true to its own intense, transitional style.

“Vitinha and Ronaldo are decisive. One controls the game and the other finishes the move. We cannot leave them alone or unattended.”

Martínez returned the respect, calling Colombia one of the best teams in transition, with Luis Díaz and Luís Suárez as key weapons. Suárez, nursing a shoulder knock, remains a doubt, though Martínez stressed the Colombian system matters more than any individual.

Squad depth and mindset

All 26 Portuguese players are fit for the final session, and Martínez declared that the word “substitute” no longer exists in his squad. He cited the ability to make two or three changes at half-time without a drop in tactical quality as evidence of the group’s strength.

“The word substitute no longer exists in our team. The players are ready when they start and when they come off the bench to make a difference.”

The psychological aspect was also a focus after Portugal controlled the entirety of their second group match, in contrast to the first. Martínez acknowledged that handling the emotion of a de-facto away game would be a crucial test of the team’s maturity.

What’s at stake

Victory would send Portugal into the knockout rounds as group winners; a draw or defeat would likely mean second place and a possible last-16 collision with England or Croatia. The match kicks off at 00:30 local time, capping a group phase that has seen Portugal’s performances improve markedly from their opener.