ESPN reports that Portugal's draw with Colombia could push a potential Ronaldo-Messi showdown to the final, denying fans a quarterfinal meeting.
Summary
According to ESPN, Portugal's 1-1 draw with Colombia on Saturday has altered the potential path for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to meet at the World Cup. The result means a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between the two superstars is now off the table, with the earliest possible encounter being the final.
The Details
ESPN reports that the draw has reshuffled the knockout bracket. Had Portugal won, they would have been on course to face Argentina in the quarterfinals, setting up a direct duel between Ronaldo and Messi. Instead, the point earned by Portugal places them in a different section of the draw, meaning the two icons cannot meet before the final, if at all.
The match itself saw Colombia take an early lead before Portugal equalized in the second half. The result leaves both teams with work to do in their final group games to secure favorable knockout positions.
What It Means
For fans hoping to see Ronaldo and Messi face off in a knockout match, the draw is a disappointment. The quarterfinal matchup, which had been widely speculated as a potential highlight of the tournament, is no longer possible. However, both players could still meet in the final if their respective teams advance that far. Portugal and Argentina will need to navigate their groups and subsequent rounds to keep that possibility alive.
ESPN's report emphasizes that while the draw has changed the immediate outlook, the ultimate showdown between the two legends remains a possibility, albeit with a longer wait. For now, attention turns to the remaining group matches, where both teams will aim to secure their progress.
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Source: Reported by ESPN. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.
