Portugal survive Colombia scare, DR Congo make history to reach knockout stage

The Portuguese side came under a barrage of attempts against the Colombians in their final group phase fixture, with the South American side making a whopping 24 shots at goal during the match.

However, the 0-0 result helped La Cafeteros to top Group L and set up a Round of 32 clash against Ghana while Cristiano Ronaldo's nation faces off against Croatia.

"We were the better team and deserved to win, said Colombia coach Néstor Lorenzo.

"I think we created so many chances. We just lacked finishing. The players were outstanding against a top contender, not only did we play them on equal terms, we dictated the terms.

"I think playing against a rival like that, showing this kind of football to all these people, in this heat, was incredible."

Portugal goalkeeper and Man of the Match Diogo Costa also expressed his disapointment with the result following the match.

"We wanted to win. I'd rather trade the Man of the Match award for a victory," said Costa.

"We broke up the game a lot, which wasn't what we wanted. Today I was the one who helped, next time it'll be Cris, or Bruno, or someone else.

"Now it's knockout time, but we have high-quality players, players who have won Champions Leagues, championships, we have the experience to win."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo came back from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in the other Group L clash, helping the African side to squeeze into the knockouts as one of the best third placed nations.

Eldor Shomurodov gave the central Asian side the lead in the tenth minute as the African side struggled to get back onto level terms ahead of the first half break after failing to put a shot on target.

The second half belonged to the DR Congo, with Yoane Wissa converting a 68th minute penalty after having been fouled in the box before striker Fiston Mayele doubled the lead with a close-range finish ten minutes later.

Wissa completed his brace in the first minute of injury time to boost his side past the group stage for the first time in Congo's history and set up a Round of 32 clash against England.

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