Rather than progression or elimination, this game was to decide the order of the top two in Group K.

Portugal needed a win in order to top the pool, against opponents roared on by vast swathes of yellow-shirted fans.

Colombia striker Jhon Cordoba, brought into the starting XI for this game, headed over the bar inside the first minute before being denied brilliantly by a one-handed Diogo Costa save shortly after.

Portugal, led once again by 41-year-old Ronaldo, came into the game later in the first half as Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas made a stunning point-blank save from Bruno Fernandes.

Ronaldo, who had proclaimed “I’m back” when scoring twice last time out in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, returned to being a peripheral figure here as he had been in the 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Portugal’s opener.

And the Portuguese hung on in the second half as Colombia came forward in waves, both Richard Rios and Gustavo Puerta coming close.

Luis Suarez hooked a volley over an open goal, before Sanchez was denied.

Yet while Colombia drew a World Cup blank for the first time since losing to England in 1998, they deservedly earned top spot in the group.