World Cup: Luis Diaz sparks Colombia to commanding 3-1 win over debutants Uzbekistan
Luis Diaz produced a dazzling display as Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan in their Group K opener at a vibrant Azteca Stadium on Wednesday.
After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Colombia arrived in Mexico determined to make an immediate impact. They were handed an added incentive before kick-off when fellow Group K contenders Portugal were held to a surprise 1-1 draw by DR Congo, opening the door for Nestor Lorenzo’s side to seize early control of the group.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia, FIFA World Cup 2026: Highlights
While Colombia were overwhelming favourites against an Uzbekistan side playing their first World Cup match, the South Americans initially found it difficult to turn their dominance into goals. They controlled possession and spent long spells camped inside the opposition half, but Uzbekistan remained disciplined and organised in defense.
The breakthrough finally arrived four minutes before the interval, and it was crafted by Colombia’s brightest star. Diaz, who tormented the Uzbek defence throughout the evening, delivered a superb ball into the penalty area and Daniel Munoz ghosted in behind his marker before producing an instinctive hooked finish that flew past the goalkeeper.
The goal capped a first half in which Colombia had largely dictated proceedings. Uzbekistan rarely threatened and struggled to venture into Colombia’s half, but they emerged from the break with renewed belief and gradually grew into the contest.
Their historic World Cup moment arrived on the hour mark. Eldor Shomurodov’s effort forced a save from goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who could only parry the ball into a dangerous area. Abbosbek Fayzullaev reacted quickest, rising to head home from close range and score Uzbekistan’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup.
For a brief period, the contest appeared far more complicated than Colombia had anticipated. The equaliser lifted the confidence of the Central Asian side and gave their supporters hope of a memorable result on the biggest stage.
Those hopes, however, were quickly extinguished by Diaz.
Just five minutes after Uzbekistan levelled, the Liverpool winger restored Colombia’s lead with a moment of quality befitting his performance. Receiving the ball on the left side of the area, Diaz cut inside and calmly slotted his finish beyond the goalkeeper to score his first World Cup goal and send the heavily pro-Colombia crowd into celebration.
With the lead restored, Colombia regained control of the match and continued to create openings. Uzbekistan refused to retreat and looked to threaten on the counterattack, but Colombia’s superior quality began to tell as the game entered its closing stages.
The South Americans were made to wait until stoppage time to put the result beyond doubt. Substitute Jaminton Campaz rose highest inside the box to head home Colombia’s third goal, capping a convincing victory and ensuring there would be no late drama.
The result sends Colombia to the top of Group K with three points after Portugal and DR Congo shared the spoils earlier in the day.
Colombia will now travel to Guadalajara to face DR Congo on June 23, knowing another victory could secure their place in the knockout rounds. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, continue their maiden World Cup journey against Portugal in Houston, still searching for the first points in their World Cup history but encouraged by a spirited performance against one of South America’s strongest sides.
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