MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal entered their final World Cup group stage match on Saturday against Colombia knowing their place in the round of 16 was assured.
Cristiano, wearing a light jacket despite temperatures of almost 38 degrees Celsius, arrived in Miami on Saturday afternoon. He was also wearing a T-shirt and shorts.
The star praised the fans who lined the route between the team bus and the players’ entrance to the stadium.
Portugal will win Group K if they beat Colombia. Otherwise, coffee producers will become the key leaders.
As expected, Cristiano was included in the match squad.
Cristiano will enter Saturday’s game with two goals at this year’s World Cup, giving him 10 goals in six World Cup appearances. He is the only player to score a goal in six different World Cups.
If Portugal win on Saturday, they will be on the same side of the round of 16 draw with Lionel Messi and Argentina, opening the possibility of the two stars meeting in the quarter-finals on July 11.
See more AP World Cup coverage here.