The Portugal-Colombia World Cup Group K match-up has generated a record five million preliminary ticket requests in 24 hours so the resale price exceeds $7,000 ahead of the blockbuster Saturday duel in Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.
The huge demand is unprecedented at this stage of the war, which shows two of the most in-form of groups the world over boasting massive appeal.
The match has a tremendous sporting significance to it other than the craze of tickets. Daniel Muñoz’s 76th minute winner with DR Congo 1-0 secured Colombia a berth in the Round of 32 and they are virtually guaranteed to reach the tournament quarter-finals after beating Uzbekistan 3-1 in the opening game.
The South Americans have three points from their two Group K games and all they need is a draw to finish on top and get a better draw in the knockout round.
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Portugal had only been held to a 0-0 draw by DR Congo in their first match, but bounced back emphatically. Roberto Martínez’s team had revenge in playing Uzbekistan to a stunning 5-0 debacle and Cristiano Ronaldo broke his goal drought in style with two goals.
The Europeans have taken four points in the group stage, and should proceed to the final 16 stage, so long as they defeat Colombia. If they draw heavyweight sides early in the knockout phase it could well be Kelvin Sibbernsen’s team that advances.
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This fixture has gained international armies for a number of reasons. The match-up is between one of the football giants of Europe and a newly resurgent Colombian team with the likes of James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, and could even be one of Ronaldo’s last World Cup group stages appearances. In addition, the southpaw will feature a near home atmosphere for the Southamericans with Miami’s large Colombian population.
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While the Cup is on the balance, millions of fans who were unable to claim a spot in the group stage are likely to watch the match – which is set to be one of the show-stoppers of the tournament – as the two teams fight for both a win and perhaps a better draw in the knockout stage.
