How coach Mauricio Pochettino made believers out of the U.S. World Cup team
Article excerpt
Pochettino was the biggest name the U.S. men's soccer team had ever hired. His rebuild was bumpy at times, but now, with the U.S. headed to the World Cup knockout stage, the players are all in. (Image credit: Russell Lewis)
How to watch Colombia vs Portugal, team news, predicted line-ups and more
Portugal take on Colombia in their final match of the World Cup group stages, with the winner topping the table.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash…
Kick-off time in the UK
12:30am, Sunday 28th June
How to watch in the UK
TV channel: BBC One
Streaming: BBC iPlayer
Team news
Colombia: N/A, all players fit
Portugal: N/A, all players fit
https://static.smartframe.io/embed.js
Predicted line-ups
Colombia (4-3-3): Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Arias, Lerma; J Rodriguez, L Suarez, Diaz
Portugal (4-3-3): D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Veiga, Mendes; Vitinha, Fernandes, J Neves; Neto, Ronaldo, Felix
Recent form
Colombia have a perfect record at the World Cup so far beating both Congo DR and Uzbekistan.
Portugal had a tough start to the tournament, drawing 1-1 with Congo DR. However, they bounced back in style putting five past Uzbekistan in their second match. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in that match.
What’s been said?
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez explained that he is focused on winning the game, despite being already through to the round of 32.
“The focus is to try to win the game and not think about the next opponent,” Martínez saud. “If you want to do well in the tournament, you have to beat anyone and everyone.
“In a tournament like the World Cup, there’s no single right path or position. What matters is that we play at our best, and you can only do that by winning.”
Portugal are Colombia’s first major test of the competition so far, but their manager Nestor Lorenzo said they will play the same way as they have done previously.
“We’ll try to maintain our style and our footballing identity,” he told reporters on Friday.
“But without a doubt, we have to pay attention to the other characteristics and strengths Portugal have. It’s a very well-coached team. They have a coach and players who are at the elite level of world football … and that shows in their game.”