Colombia enjoyed a successful return to the FIFA World Cup after securing a 3-1 victory against tournament newcomers Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Back at the global tournament after missing out on qualification for the 2022 edition, the South American side started their Group K journey on a positive note and moved to the top of the standings.
The breakthrough arrived when Daniel Munoz produced an outstanding finish, stretching to meet a precise delivery from Luis Diaz and firing home. Diaz had already looked dangerous earlier in the contest, striking the woodwork as Colombia searched for the opening goal.
Uzbekistan, guided by 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, refused to back down and found an equaliser midway through the second half. Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest inside the penalty area, heading in from close range after Camilo Vargas had initially denied a powerful effort from Gustavo Puerta.
The response from Colombia was immediate. Diaz restored his team’s advantage with a determined finish that squeezed past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov despite the shot stopper getting both hands to the ball.
The Asian side pushed hard for another leveller and almost found one late in the match when Akmal Mozgovoy narrowly missed the target with a curling effort. However, Colombia sealed the result in stoppage time as substitute Jaminton Campaz rose highest to head home their third goal of the evening.
Uzbekistan continued to fight until the final whistle, with Jakhongir Urozov striking the crossbar in the closing moments, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
The match was particularly memorable for Diaz, whose goal was his first on football’s biggest stage. The forward arrived at the tournament in excellent form following a superb debut season with Bayern Munich, where he contributed 15 goals and 14 assists while helping the German giants complete a domestic league and cup double.
Elsewhere in Group K, Portugal and DR Congo shared the points in a 1-1 draw.
