Uzbekistan 3-1 Colombia: Fayzullaev 60; Munoz 40, Diaz 65, Campaz 90+9
Colombia overcame a brief second-half scare to begin their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Azteca, with Luis Diaz inspiring the South Americans to a result that moves them to the top of Group L.
The Bayern Munich winger created the opening goal, restored Colombia’s lead after Uzbekistan had levelled and was at the heart of almost everything dangerous his side produced. Jaminton Campaz eventually sealed the win deep into stoppage time, ensuring Nestor Lorenzo’s team avoided an uncomfortable finish after allowing their opponents back into the contest.
Colombia mostly dominated possession the entire game but they were up against a disciplined Uzbekistan side making their World Cup debut. The Central Asians defended in numbers, often retreating into a compact low block and forcing Colombia to probe patiently for openings.
The first clear warning came when Diaz hit the post after drifting into space on the left. Uzbekistan survived it and briefly frustrated Colombia with their organisation, but the breakthrough arrived six minutes before the interval.
Diaz was at the centre of it again. Spotting Daniel Munoz’s run beyond the defensive line, the winger played a precise pass into the area. The Crystal Palace full-back still had plenty to do, stretching acrobatically to divert a volley beyond Utkir Yusupov and into the net.
Colombia carried the advantage into the break and appeared in control but Uzbekistan came out with greater ambition after half-time. Their reward came on the hour when Eldor Shomurodov’s volley was diverted on to the post by Camilo Vargas. The rebound looped invitingly into the six-yard box, where Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest to nod home from close range.
The equaliser briefly threatened a reversal of roles. Uzbekistan sensed an opportunity and applied pressure as an anxious Colombia momentarily looked on the verge of collapse.
But the south American side soon surged forward with numbers and Gustavo Puerta released Diaz, who struck a low effort that should have been kept out by Yusupov, but instead it slipped through the goalkeeper’s grasp and rolled into the corner.
Authority was restored for Colombia but Uzbekistan continued to compete and their hopes were still alive as the game wound down. But in stoppage time Juan Camilo Hernandez trekked down the flank before delivering a cross that Campaz headed beyond Yusupov to smash their hopes.
There was still time for substitute Bekhruz Karimov to rattle the crossbar for Uzbekistan but Colombia had victory.
