Simon Preston, football

Based on how different groups have finished, I believe it is fair to say both teams will progress. Usually in tournaments where a best third-place team advances, if you have four points, or even three, with a healthy goal difference, then you stand an exceptional chance of qualifying.

But just qualifying for the Round of 32 is not the priority for Portugal. They will want to finish at the top of the group because they know finishing runners-up of this group can mean a tricky Round of 32 tie against Ghana or Croatia, while group honours could mean a tie versus Paraguay or Ecuador.

Portugal feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders after picking up maximum points against Uzbekistan, and I fancy them to get another win to top the group over Colombia.

Miami will certainly be bouncing on Saturday evening. I think Portugal will win 2-1.

Simon Preston.

Other predictions

Croatia 1, Ghana 0

Panama 0, England 3

DR Congo 1, Uzbekistan 0

Algeria 1, Austria 2

Brian Pitter.

Jordan 0, Argentina 5

Brian Pitter, football writer

Colombia have been one of the best attacking teams at this World Cup so far. They completely ran DR Congo ragged in their last outing, creating chance after chance and maintaining their relentless intensity for the entire 90 minutes. If they play with that same energy again, they’ll be a real handful.

Portugal looked excellent going forward against Uzbekistan but there are still questions to be answered defensively. Against a Colombian side packed with attacking quality, those weaknesses could be exposed.

With Luis Díaz in outstanding form and leading the line with confidence, Colombia have all the tools to hurt Portugal. Both teams will also have one eye on finishing top of the group so expect an entertaining, high-tempo encounter. My prediction is Colombia 2-1 Portugal.

Other predictions

Croatia 2, Ghana 1

Panama 1, England 3

DR Congo 2, Uzbekistan 1

Algeria 1, Austria 2

Rachid Parchment.

Jordan 0, Argentina 3

Rachid Parchment, Digital Sports Coordinator

While Portugal looked impressive in their 5-0 win over Uzbekistan I think they were somewhat flattered. They still have defensive issues to sort out, and the likes of Colombia’s Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez will do all they can to expose them. Has Cristiano Ronaldo truly returned to his best at the right time or, again, was he flattered by the opponents? This match should go a long way in telling us.

Colombia looked great against Uzbekistan, and while they only beat DR Congo 1-0, they created more than enough chances against them. Their attack looks to be in good shape but this is the first game during which their defence will truly be tested at this World Cup. This has all the potential to be a great slugfest between two pacey attacking teams, and while it makes sense to favour Portugal as they have ambitions of becoming world champions this summer, I can’t shake this feeling at the back of my mind that Colombia will pull off a shock 2-1 win.

Other predictions

Croatia 0, Ghana 1

Panama 0, England 4

DR Congo 1, Uzbekistan 1

Algeria 1, Austria 2

Jordan 0, Argentina 4