Group K · Matchday 3
PortugalvsColombia
2026-06-27·19:00 localPredictions finalised
The forecast
Match-outcome probability
- Portugal win36.6%
- Draw29.3%
- Colombia win34.1%
A clash of identities: Portugal's possession-dominant approach meets Colombia's pragmatic style in a fixture the model gives to Portugal at 43%.
Why the model says this
Favoring Portugal
- ·Expected goals 1.27 vs 1.09
What the model can't fully price
- ·Squad availability: 5 carrying a fitness doubt across the two squads, 1 of them projected starters. The forecast does not adjust for who is missing: its lineup channel currently contributes zero, so this is context the probabilities do not include.
Form check
Portugal
SteadyPortugal: 3W-2D-1L in their last 6 internationals.
3W-2D-1L in last 6
Colombia
SteadyColombia: 3W-1D-2L in their last 6 internationals.
3W-1D-2L in last 6
Analysis
How it plays out
Portugal will dominate the ball. Whether Colombia can stay organised through long spells without it determines if Portugal's possession converts to chances. Portugal will expect to hold 59% possession. Colombia need their shape to stay compact without the ball and be clinical when they win it back.
What decides it
Portugal's possession game (59% avg) requires patience in the final third and quick ball recovery when they lose it. Colombia adjust shape to the opponent. That flexibility is an asset, but it takes longer to settle into a game. The scoring threat is evenly split: Cristiano Ronaldo (8.3%) and James Rodríguez (8.8%).
Off the pitch
Portugal travel 6,728km, 3x Colombia's journey. Second-half fatigue is a real factor at that differential.
The angle
First World Cup for Colombia: 7 caps for the senior side, 27 at kickoff.
▸Goals & scorelines
Likeliest score 1–1 (14.1%) · xG 1.2 - 1.0
Expected goals
Mean of the Dixon-Coles joint goal distribution. Same fit that produces the most-likely-scoreline list below.
Most likely scorelines
- 1–114.1%
- 1–012.6%
- 0–012.0%
- 0–110.3%
- 2–08.0%
From the Dixon-Coles joint Poisson with the low-score correction. Scorelines are listed in probability order; this is a description of the model's distribution, not a recommendation.
Most likely half-time scorelines
- 0–034.1%
- 1–019.4%
- 0–116.1%
- 1–110.5%
- 2–06.0%
Same Dixon-Coles fit as the full-time list above, with rates halved to a 45-minute window and the low-score correction applied to that 1st-half block. The 0-0 row sits higher here than at full-time because fewer minutes have elapsed.
Goal totals
- More than 0.5 goals88.0%
- More than 1.5 goals65.1%
- More than 2.5 goals37.5%
- More than 3.5 goals17.9%
- More than 4.5 goals7.1%
- More than 5.5 goals2.5%
- Both teams score44.8%
Each row is the probability the match finishes with more than the listed number of goals. Both-teams-to-score is the probability each side scores at least once. All values are marginals of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid that produces the scoreline list above — not market lines or any other operator construct.
Event-typed probabilities
- Portugal clean sheetOpposing team scores zero36.9%
- Colombia clean sheetOpposing team scores zero30.3%
Derived from the same Dixon-Coles joint distribution as the scoreline list. These are descriptive event probabilities — see CLAUDE.md §3/§4 (formerly COMPLIANCE.md §4.2.7) for the framing the project uses.
Win-margin probability
- Portugal by 4+1.5%
- Portugal by 3+5.8%
- Portugal by 2+17.4%
- Portugal by 1+39.7%
- Draw30.6%
- Colombia by 1+29.7%
- Colombia by 2+11.3%
- Colombia by 3+3.2%
- Colombia by 4+0.7%
Each row is the probability the match ends with the listed margin or larger in that direction. Marginal of the Dixon-Coles joint goal grid; the “by 1+” rows plus the draw row sum to 1.
▸How the match unfolds
Over 2.5 goals 37.5% · BTTS 44.8%
Game state through the match
- Portugal ahead40.5%
- Level29.0%
- Colombia ahead30.5%
Probability of each game state at minutes 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 — derived from two independent thinned-Poisson processes with the Dixon-Coles per-team rates. The three lines always sum to 1 at each minute. The right column shows the state at the match's closing minute.
When the first goal arrives
- 0–1530.6%
- 15–3021.2%
- 30–4514.7%
- 45–6010.2%
- 60–757.1%
- 75–904.9%
- No goal11.2%
Probability the match's first goal arrives in each 15-minute window. Homogeneous Poisson with combined rate λ = λh + λa from the Dixon-Coles fit; the seven rows (six windows + no-goal tail) sum to 1.
Half-time / full-time grid
| HT ↓ / FT → | HPortugal win | DDraw | AColombia win |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPortugal ahead | 24.6% | 4.6% | 1.3% |
| DLevel | 14.1% | 20.0% | 11.2% |
| AColombia ahead | 1.6% | 4.6% | 17.9% |
Each cell is P(half-time result, full-time result). All nine cells sum to 1. Derived from a halved-λ Dixon-Coles fit for the first half plus an independent-Poisson second-half convolution.
Comeback probability
- Portugal trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT6.2%
- Colombia trail at HT, avoid defeat at FT5.9%
Joint probability — P(side trailing at half-time AND avoiding defeat at full-time). NOT conditional on trailing at HT. Derived from the same half-time / full-time decomposition that produces the HT/FT grid above; a tied first half is neither a home nor an away comeback opportunity.
Cards
- Expected yellow cardsMean of the Poisson on total yellow cards.3.45
- Total yellows over 2.567.0%
- Total yellows over 3.545.3%
- Total yellows over 4.526.5%
- Any red cardP(at least one red card in the match).9.5%
Referee not yet assigned. Using the 2026 pool-mean per-match rate as a placeholder; the model picks up the referee's personal rate once the assignment is published. Total yellow cards modelled as a Poisson with mean equal to two team baselines plus the referee's deviation from the pool mean. Reds are modelled the same way, independently. See /docs/methodology/.
▸Teams & players
Top scorer: Ronaldo (9.0%)
Match detail
Portugal
Model-rated key players: Cristiano Ronaldo (FW) — P(scores) 9.0%; Gonçalo Ramos (FW) — P(scores) 2.3%; João Félix (FW) — P(scores) 2.2%.
Portugal under Roberto Martínez play a possession dominant game, holding 59% of the ball — among the highest in the tournament field. Their likely shape is a 4-3-3. They apply moderate pressing intensity (PPDA 21.6) and build patiently through midfield with 7.9 passes per attacking sequence. They generate a high volume of shots (13.5 per 90).
To succeed, Portugal must control tempo and territory in midfield — their possession-dominant approach depends on dictating the rhythm of each match. Managing minutes for Cristiano Ronaldo across what could be seven matches will test the coaching staff's rotation planning.
Colombia
Model-rated key players: James Rodríguez (MF) — P(scores) 8.8%; Luis Díaz (FW) — P(scores) 6.9%; Jhon Córdoba (FW) — P(scores) 3.8%.
Colombia under Néstor Lorenzo play a pragmatic game with 53% possession. They apply moderate pressing intensity (PPDA 18.9).
Colombia play a pragmatic, results-oriented game that adapts shape to the opposition. Tactical flexibility is their strength. The risk is inconsistency — without a default identity, a poor result can cascade if the team struggles to find a Plan B.
Portugal's predicted XI averages 2,098 club minutes over the 2024-25 season (moderate load).
Portugal coverage: 78.0% (9/11 XI matched against the FBref Big-5) · Colombia: 44.0% (9/11).
Portugal historically converts 17.0% of xG from set-pieces, contributing 0.20 expected set-piece goals in this fixture. Colombia converts 12.4% from set-pieces (0.12 expected). Combined, the model expects 0.33 set-piece goals across the 90 minutes.
- P(Portugal scores set-piece goal) 18.4%
- P(Colombia scores set-piece goal) 11.7%
- P(set-piece goal in match) 27.9%
Portugal: Pedro Neto on corners (20 corners), Rúben Neves on free kicks (per fbref 2022 23) · Colombia: James Rodríguez on corners (58 corners) (per fbref 2020 21)
If a penalty is awarded to Portugal, the model gives 73.3% conversion, 71.4% for Colombia.
Portugal primary PK: Cristiano Ronaldo (3/3 in 2021-22, per fbref 2022 23) · Colombia primary PK: James Rodríguez (2/2 in 2013-14, per fbref 2020 21).
Derived from the model's per-fixture forecast joint and supporting reference data (predicted squads, set-piece xG share, PK posteriors, club minutes). See /docs/methodology/ for the full methodology.
Tactical forecast
- PPDA
- 21.6
- Possession
- 59%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 4.5
- Long balls/90
- 30
- Set-piece xG
- 17%
- PPDA
- 18.9
- Possession
- 53%
- Directness (yds/pass)
- 6.6
- Long balls/90
- 41
- Set-piece xG
- 12%
Style profile per side from StatsBomb open-data aggregation across recent international tournaments (Euro 2020/2024, Copa America 2024, AFCON 2023, World Cup 2018/2022). The tactical-fingerprint badge maps each team’s observed style vector into one of eight canonical archetypes via a rule-based classifier; teams with fewer than three matches of qualifying coverage carry an “insufficient-data” label rather than being forced into a default. Sides outside the StatsBomb-open corpus use FotMob team match stats from recent qualifiers and friendlies instead (possession and shot volume only), marked as partial coverage. PPDA = passes the side allows per defensive action (lower = more intense press). Formation distributions are not yet produced — that head of the §2.7 classifier is pending its own data pull. See /docs/methodology/.
Squad depth
Most irreplaceable starters
Portugal
- Bruno FernandesAttacking midfieldCover: Francisco Trincão · 0.400.56gap
- Diogo CostaGoalkeeperCover: Rui Silva · 0.500.50gap
- Bernardo SilvaAttacking midfieldCover: Francisco Trincão · 0.400.24gap
Colombia
- Luis DíazWingerCover: Jaminton Campaz · 0.630.31gap
- Cucho HernándezStrikerCover: Luis Suárez · 0.570.20gap
- Jhon AriasWingerCover: Jaminton Campaz · 0.630.17gap
Gap = how far a side's rating at the position falls from the starter to his likely in-squad replacement (named under each name). Larger = harder to replace. Descriptive metric, does not feed the published probabilities. Methodology →
Match conditions
- AltitudeNear sea level3 m
- Avg temperatureFive-year mean over the tournament window27.0 °C
- Avg humidity82%
- Heat stressShade WBGT ~30.7 °CHigh heat stress
- Pitch surfacenatural grass
Already plays on natural Bermudagrass; no turf conversion needed.
Heat stress is a shade Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature proxy from the venue's climatology mean temperature and humidity; FIFA mandates cooling breaks at WBGT 32 °C. Evening kickoff (local time). These are long-window averages, not a match-day forecast, and they are not inputs to the forecast.
Top scorers · P(scores in this match)
- Cristiano RonaldoPKFW9.0%
- Gonçalo RamosFW2.3%
- João FélixFW2.2%
- James RodríguezPKMF8.8%
- Luis DíazFW6.9%
- Jhon CórdobaFW3.8%
Per-player scoring rate from Model #5 (`p_score_per_match`). Reflects each player's npxG/90, expected minutes, team xG share, and the average opposing-team defence. See /docs/methodology/.
Recent match form
Last match player ratings
Portugal
vs Croatia · avg 9.0
Worked well: Their ability to create chances and their resilience in coming back from a deficit were notable strengths.
Struggled: They struggled with the offside trap at times, leading to a disallowed goal.
Colombia
vs Ghana · avg 7.0
Worked well: Their counter-attacking movements were effective, leading to the opening goal and several other clear-cut chances. The interplay between their attacking players, particularly Luis Suarez, was a key strength.
Struggled: Despite creating many opportunities, their finishing was not always clinical, allowing Ghana's goalkeeper to make several important stops and keeping the scoreline tight.
Player scores from official highlight analysis of each team's most recent match. Observational, not a model input. Methodology →
Video analysis: player performance
Per-player ratings and event breakdowns from official highlights analysis. Tap a player to see their full match timeline.
8Cristiano Ronaldo6'–55'Scored the crucial equalizer from the penalty spot and showed leadership, despite an earlier disallowed goal.
2goals1shots▼
Scored the crucial equalizer from the penalty spot and showed leadership, despite an earlier disallowed goal.
Match timeline
8Gonçalo Ramos126'–126'Came off the bench to score the decisive winning header, showcasing his aerial ability and impact.
1goals▼
Came off the bench to score the decisive winning header, showcasing his aerial ability and impact.
Match timeline
7CordobaWas highly active in attack, taking numerous shots and consistently posing a threat to the opposition's goal.
Was highly active in attack, taking numerous shots and consistently posing a threat to the opposition's goal.
8Dominik LivakovićDelivered an outstanding performance with a string of crucial saves, despite conceding two goals including a penalty.
Delivered an outstanding performance with a string of crucial saves, despite conceding two goals including a penalty.
7Ivan PerišićOpened the scoring for Croatia with a well-placed shot, demonstrating his attacking quality.
Opened the scoring for Croatia with a well-placed shot, demonstrating his attacking quality.
7Nikola VlašićShowed offensive threat by hitting the post and being involved in a disallowed goal.
Showed offensive threat by hitting the post and being involved in a disallowed goal.
7J. VelezMade a vital defensive block to deny a shot and also showed offensive initiative with an attempt on goal.
Made a vital defensive block to deny a shot and also showed offensive initiative with an attempt on goal.
6Luka SučićWas actively involved in attacking sequences that led to disallowed goals, showing his forward runs and offensive presence.
Was actively involved in attacking sequences that led to disallowed goals, showing his forward runs and offensive presence.
6P. VelezShowed some offensive initiative by attempting a shot from outside the box.
Showed some offensive initiative by attempting a shot from outside the box.
6L. AriasContributed to the attack with a long-range shot, adding to Portugal's offensive pressure.
Contributed to the attack with a long-range shot, adding to Portugal's offensive pressure.
6Luis DiazAttempted a shot from distance, contributing to the team's attacking pressure.
Attempted a shot from distance, contributing to the team's attacking pressure.
Match observations
- The match was a competitive encounter with both teams creating numerous chances, though several goals were ruled out for offside.
- Croatia took an early lead, but Portugal responded with a penalty to equalize.
- The game saw a late surge from Portugal, culminating in a winning header.
▸Under the hood
Model-by-model comparison
Portugal vs Colombia
| Model | Weight | Home | Draw | Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EloRating-based strength estimate | 32% | 39.0% | 22.0% | 39.0% |
| Dixon-ColesGoal-process model with low-score correction | 63% | 39.8% | 30.6% | 29.6% |
| Hierarchical PoissonBayesian model with confederation pooling | 6% | 40.1% | 29.4% | 30.5% |
| Bayesian stackingLearned-weight combination | — | 38.9% | 33.8% | 27.3% |
| Ensemble (published)Uniform average + isotonic calibration | — | 42.9% | 27.5% | 29.7% |
How each model works
- Elo
- Each team carries a single strength rating updated after every match by a margin-aware K-factor. Match probabilities come from the logistic function of the rating gap. Elo is fast-adapting but coarse — it sees only who won and by how much, not how the goals were scored.
- Dixon-Coles
- A Poisson regression on team-level attack and defence parameters, fitted via maximum likelihood with an exponential time-decay weighting. The Dixon-Coles correction adjusts the four low-score cells (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 1-1) where independent Poisson underestimates dependence. Produces full scoreline distributions, not just H/D/A.
- Hierarchical Poisson
- A Bayesian Poisson model fitted via MCMC (PyMC) with hierarchical priors that pool attack and defence parameters within confederations. Shrinks small-sample teams toward their confederation mean — helpful for nations with few recent competitive fixtures. Slower to fit but better-calibrated on the tails.
- Bayesian stacking
- Optimises simplex weights (w_elo, w_dc, w_hp) to maximise the leave-one-out log-score across a walk-forward backtest (Yao et al. 2018). The result is a weighted average of the three component models' probabilities, then isotonic-calibrated. Adds no extra features — just learns which component to trust more from historical accuracy.
- Ensemble (published)
- Equal-weight average of all three component models, followed by per-class isotonic regression calibration fitted on 24 months of walk-forward out-of-fold predictions. This is the probability published on the site. The uniform mean is deliberately simple — it avoids overfitting to the stacking weights' training window.
Three independent component models feed two combination strategies. The uniform ensemble is the published probability; Bayesian stacking uses learned weights. Amber bars flag >5pp divergence from the published number. Full methodology
Probability decomposition (transparency surface)
- Baseline ensemble — P(Portugal win)38.8%
- + Lineup contribution0.0pp
- + Style-matchup contribution+0.6pp
- Published P(Portugal win)39.3%
Decomposition of the published P(Portugal win) into the calibrated- baseline plus contributions from the §2.3 expected-XI lineup delta and the §2.7 style-matchup interaction. The §2.7 roadmap is explicit that style effects are second-order to team strength — single-digit-percentage P(win) shifts on extreme style matchups, near-zero on balanced ones. We surface the decomposition for transparency even when the contributions are small; the baseline carries the prediction. Methodology: /docs/methodology.
Latest news & match context
No recent headlines for Portugal or Colombia.
- Stage:
- Group K · Matchday 3
- Date:
- 27 Jun
Portugal
Portugal come in at close to full strength.
Colombia
Colombia come in at close to full strength.
Portugal and Colombia both come in at close to full strength, so the forecast rests on baseline team strength rather than late team-news swings.
The model's style-matchup analysis nudges the forecast +0.6pp toward Portugal, versus the baseline team-strength prior.
Availability from the predicted squads and injury feed; forecast adjustments from the model's own decomposition. See /docs/methodology/.
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