Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan in Group K, with Luis Diaz scoring once and creating another to put the South Americans in early control of the section.
Daniel Munoz opened the scoring before half-time, Abbosbek Fayzullaev struck Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal to level, and Diaz restored Colombia’s lead soon after. Substitute Jaminton Campaz then sealed the points deep into stoppage time with a header in the 99th minute.
The result mattered beyond the three points: with Portugal held to a draw by Congo DR, Colombia’s win gave them an early advantage in Group K after the opening round of matches.
How Colombia took control and Uzbekistan responded
Colombia started brightly and created the first notable opening in the 17th minute when Jhon Arias hit the side netting from distance. Diaz then went close in the 32nd minute, guiding a left-footed effort past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov only to see it strike the post.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the interval. Diaz delivered a pinpoint pass over the Uzbekistan backline, and Munoz finished with a clever flick using the outside of his boot to make it 1-0.
Uzbekistan, however, refused to fade. Their equaliser came from a sequence that began with Eldor Shomurdov’s cross from the left. Dostonbek Khamdamov’s volley hit the post, and Fayzullaev reacted quickest to head home and make history with Uzbekistan’s maiden World Cup goal in the 60th minute.
That moment of celebration did not last long. Colombia responded immediately to regain the lead, again with Diaz at the centre of the action. His low strike hit the gloves of Yusupov and crossed the line for Diaz’s first World Cup goal, restoring Colombia’s advantage at 2-1.
As the match stretched into added time, Uzbekistan chased another equaliser, but Colombia found a decisive third. Cucho Hernandez won the ball on the right wing and delivered a cross for fellow substitute Campaz, who powered in a header in the 90+9 minute to complete the 3-1 scoreline.
Goals
Uzbekistan: Fayzullaev (60)
Colombia: Munoz (40), Diaz (65), Campaz (90+9)
Group K picture and standout performer
Colombia’s win placed them top of Group K after one match, with Congo DR and Portugal level on one point each following their draw, and Uzbekistan left without a point after the opening round.
The performance was driven by Diaz, who both assisted Munoz’s opener and scored the crucial second goal that swung momentum back Colombia’s way after Uzbekistan’s historic equaliser. Diaz was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match.
A notable backdrop to the result was Colombia’s recent World Cup history in opening games: prior to this match, they had lost their first fixture in four of their six FIFA World Cup appearances, including a 2-1 defeat to Japan at Russia 2018. This time, they started with a win—and a statement—on their return to the tournament.
