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Just over three months separate us from one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage of the next World Cup, when James Rodríguez's Colombia takes on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Miami in a Group K showdown. Interestingly, the two national teams have never faced each other before, neither in friendly nor official matches.
Despite a setback in the penultimate qualifying match against Ireland, where Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off, Portugal had a solid path to the World Cup. The Portuguese side finished first in Group F, qualifying directly with 13 points, losing only one match and drawing another. Now they are ready to chase glory in the United States.
Meanwhile, Colombia was also a strong side in the always competitive Conmebol qualifiers, earning qualification with 28 points, behind only Argentina and Ecuador. Led by James Rodríguez, Colombia has the profile of a team that could become a serious contender and even pull off an upset at the World Cup, especially due to the quality of players such as James himself and Luis Díaz.
Camilo Vargas is not in his best form
All signs point to Camilo Vargas being Colombia's starting goalkeeper, unless there is a surprise, just as he was in the last Copa América where they reached the final. The goalkeeper has been with Atlas in Liga MX since 2019 and won back-to-back league titles between 2021 and 2022; however, he is currently going through a difficult period.
So far in Liga MX, eight matchdays have been played and he has conceded 12 goals, eight of them in the last three matches. The issue may not be entirely his fault, as Atlas has suffered several player absences, but it could certainly affect his confidence-especially considering he will face a team like Portugal in the World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently has 965 career goals, may view this situation positively. However, Camilo Vargas has the experience needed to turn things around. There is no doubt that the June 27 match between Portugal and Colombia will be thrilling, and both teams could even enter the game already qualified.
Additionally, it appears that Cristiano Ronaldo will visit Mexico for the first time on March 28 at Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca) to play a friendly against the Mexican National Team as part of the stadium's reopening celebration.