Portugal's draw with Colombia means a potential quarterfinal meeting between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is now unlikely, according to ESPN.
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Portugal's draw with Colombia means a potential quarterfinal meeting between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi is now unlikely, according to ESPN.
According to ESPN, the prospect of a highly anticipated quarterfinal showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at this summer's tournament has been significantly diminished. Portugal's draw with Colombia on Saturday has altered the knockout bracket, meaning the two superstars are now unlikely to meet before the final, if at all.
ESPN reports that Portugal's 1-1 draw against Colombia in their final group match has shifted the path for both teams. The result means Portugal will finish second in their group, setting up a different route through the knockout stages. As a result, a potential quarterfinal clash between Ronaldo's Portugal and Messi's Argentina is now off the cards. The only chance for the two legends to face each other would be in the final, should both teams advance that far.
The news is a disappointment for fans who were eagerly anticipating a direct duel between two of the greatest players in football history. Ronaldo and Messi have faced each other numerous times in club competitions, but a meeting at a major international tournament has been rare. The draw reshuffles the bracket, making a final encounter the only remaining possibility. Both teams will now need to navigate tough knockout matches to reach the showpiece event. For more updates, see more World Cup news.
Source: Reported by ESPN. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.
