Uzbekistan did their best but ultimately had to concede to Colombia’s superiority as the Central Asian side suffered a 3-1 defeat in their opening FIFA World Cup Group K opener.
Bayern Munich forward Luiz Diaz led Colombia to victory but only after they survived a spirited fightback from tournament debutants Uzbekistan.
Bayern Munich forward Luiz Diaz led Colombia to victory but only after they survived a spirited fightback from tournament debutants Uzbekistan.
Backed by their boisterous supporters, Colombia had the first meaningful chance in the 17th minute when midfielder Jhon Arias struck the side netting from distance. The South Americans came even closer in the 32nd minute when the outstanding Diaz guided a left-footed effort past Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and on to the foot of the post.
It seemed just a matter of time before Colombia would break the deadlock. That moment came five minutes before the break when Diaz’s pinpoint pass over the Uzbek backline was expertly flicked on by Munoz with the outside of his boot.
Uzbekistan refused to give up and leveled the scores when Dostonbek Khamdamov’s volleyed effort following Eldor Shomurdov’s left-wing cross struck the post and fell into the path of Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who headed home for a historic goal.
The debutants’ joy was short-lived, however. Colombia immediately fought back and restored the lead after Diaz’s low strike hit the gloves of Yusupov and crossed the line. It was Diaz’s inaugural World Cup goal.
The three points were sealed deep into injury time when Cucho Hernandez brilliantly won the ball on the right wing and crossed to fellow substitute Campaz, who powered home a header. The win put Colombia top of a group that also features Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who drew 1-1 earlier.
