Portugal ready for Colombia clash after months of planning, Martinez says

MIAMI, June 26 : Portugal coach Roberto Martinez dismissed concerns about his team's preparations for Saturday's World Cup group finale against Colombia, insisting months of planning had left them "perfectly ready" despite Florida storms disrupting the buildup.

Martinez said his side had benefited from having started their groundwork back in March for the game at Miami Stadium.

"We started preparing for the match against Colombia back in March... We've already had 13 training sessions here in Miami to adapt to the weather," Martinez told reporters.

"The plan was to stay in Miami (Florida) to prepare for the match against Colombia.

"The players are ready for the physical challenge of playing in a different stadium and on a different pitch that is a different turf from what we have in Europe. That's what we did, we've prepared since the first day we arrived in the U.S."

'AWAY FROM HOME'

Martinez acknowledged Portugal would face their first match "away from home" due to the large Colombian fanbase expected in Miami, where tickets for the highly anticipated clash reportedly sold for thousands of dollars.

"It means I had to buy tickets for my family in November," Martinez quipped when asked about the fan dedication. "That's what it means, because I knew it was going to be difficult to get tickets."

"I hope that tomorrow football wins and the inspiration of anyone that watches the game wins."

While Colombia have reached the knockout stages with six points from two games, Portugal sit second on four points and are all but through.

Finishing second could give them a tougher path in the knockout stage, with England or Croatia potential opponents.

TOURNAMENT PATHWAYS AND DUA LIPA

But Martinez, who was in good spirits and even had a laugh when