Why Portugal vs Colombia was the hottest ticket of the World Cup
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The highly anticipated World Cup group stage match between Portugal and Colombia in Miami Gardens attracted over 64,000 fans, with ticket demand exceeding 20 million requests and prices reaching up to $16,000 for hospitality packages.
- The crowd was a diverse mix of local and international fans, including notable figures and many who traveled long distances or made significant sacrifices to attend, showcasing strong passion for both teams and especially for Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Security and organization at Hard Rock Stadium were significantly improved compared to previous events, with strict access controls and reduced tailgating to ensure a smooth entry and exit process for attendees.
- Despite both teams already qualifying for the knockout stage, the match was competitive and entertaining, ending in a 0-0 draw with a late disallowed Colombian goal upheld by VAR.
- Fans expressed that the experience and atmosphere were worth the high costs, emphasizing their passion and excitement for witnessing the event live, regardless of the scoreline.
