Colombia marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, moving to the top of Group K after an entertaining contest.
Having failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament, the South Americans made a successful return to football’s biggest stage with goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and substitute Jaminton Campaz.
Colombia threatened early and came close to opening the scoring through Diaz, whose effort struck the post. The breakthrough eventually arrived when Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz produced a superb full-stretch volley after latching onto an excellent forward pass from Diaz.
Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut under the guidance of former Italy World Cup-winning defender Fabio Cannavaro, refused to be overawed and fought their way back into the contest after the interval.
The Central Asians levelled in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas could only parry Gustavo Puerta’s initial effort.
However, Colombia responded swiftly to restore their advantage. Bayern Munich forward Diaz found the net with a strike that crossed the line despite Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov getting both hands to the ball.
The goal was a significant milestone for Diaz, who scored his first World Cup goal after enjoying an outstanding campaign with Bayern. The former Liverpool winger, who joined the German giants in a £65.5 million move last summer, helped them secure a domestic league and cup double after registering 15 goals and 14 assists during the season.
Uzbekistan pushed hard for another equaliser and came agonisingly close in the closing stages. Akmal Mozgovoy curled an effort narrowly wide in the 90th minute as Colombia’s defence came under pressure.
Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished when Colombia substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a third goal deep into stoppage time to seal the result.
There was still time for Uzbekistan to threaten once more, with Jakhongir Urozov striking the crossbar, but Colombia held on comfortably to secure all three points.
The victory puts Colombia in a strong position at the top of Group K, while Uzbekistan are left searching for their first World Cup points. Fabio Cannavaro’s side will next face Portugal on Tuesday, while Colombia take on DR Congo on Wednesday.
Portugal and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw in the other Group K fixture, leaving Colombia as the early pace-setters in the group.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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