Luis Diaz drove Colombia to a 3-1 win over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at a loud Azteca Stadium on Wednesday as the South Americans marked their return to the tournament by moving top of Group K.
Colombia missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and started with some early discomfort against an organised Uzbekistan side. Uzbekistan pressed aggressively and disrupted Colombia’s passing rhythm in the opening stages.
Colombia eventually found space through Diaz on the left flank. The winger stretched the game and forced Uzbekistan’s back line to turn towards their own goal more often as the first half progressed.
That pressure finally produced a breakthrough in the 41st minute. Diaz lifted a clever ball into the penalty area and Daniel Munoz arrived behind the defence before hooking his finish past the goalkeeper.
Uzbekistan fought back after the break and found a route through direct attacking play. Eldor Shomurodov forced Camilo Vargas into a save on the hour mark, but the Colombia goalkeeper failed to hold the effort and Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest to head home the rebound.
The equaliser lasted only five minutes.
Diaz restored Colombia’s lead after he cut inside from the left side of the area and finished clinically. Colombia then controlled the match more comfortably and pushed Uzbekistan further back.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz added a third goal in stoppage time with a header that secured all three points.
Colombia now sit top of Group K after Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo. They face DR Congo in Guadalajara next, while Uzbekistan travel to Houston to play Portugal.
