Diaz leads Colombia past Uzbekistan in World Cup opener
Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K as the World Cup newcomers scored their first tournament goal but could not hold off a late push.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Colombia began its World Cup Group K campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on Wednesday at Estadio Azteca, with Luis Diaz central to the decisive moments. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Daniel Munoz, Diaz and Jaminton Campaz scored for Colombia, while Abbosbek Fayzullaev delivered Uzbekistan’s first goal at a World Cup.
The match in Mexico City drew more than 80,000 spectators, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Uzbekistan, playing in the tournament for the first time and coached by Fabio Cannavaro, stayed compact for long stretches before Colombia’s attacking quality broke through.
Colombia, described by Al Jazeera and Reuters as the Copa America runner-up, had early openings through Jhon Arias and James Rodriguez. Uzbekistan sat deep and looked to counter, with Bekhruz Karimov nearly getting a chance before Jhon Lucumi stepped in.
Diaz came closest in the first half when he hit the post. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Abdukodir Khusanov later slid in after Diaz had pushed the ball beyond him, bringing down both Diaz and a pitchside cameraman, who needed medical attention.
Colombia took the lead in the 40th minute. Diaz recovered possession after an attack stalled and found Munoz, who finished for his third international goal, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.
The crowd gave Colombia a strong home-like backing, with many supporters in yellow and chants of “Vamos Colombia” around the stadium, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Uzbekistan’s supporters answered with drums.
Uzbekistan responds after halftime
Uzbekistan improved after the break and equalised on the hour. Dostonbek Khamdamov set up Eldor Shomurodov on the right side of the penalty area, and although Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas saved the first shot, Fayzullaev headed in the rebound from close range, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.
The goal was Uzbekistan’s first at a World Cup. The level score lasted five minutes.
Gustavo Puerta sent Diaz through in the 65th minute, and the forward guided a side-footed finish across goal to put Colombia back in front, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. The goal prompted chants of “Lucho, Lucho” from the crowd.
Uzbekistan continued to threaten late. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Akmal Mozgovoy missed narrowly in stoppage time, Karimov struck the crossbar from distance and Azizbek Amonov had an effort blocked after a pass from Otabek Shukurov.
Colombia settled the match in the ninth minute of stoppage time through Campaz. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Nestor Lorenzo’s side finished with 15 attempts to Uzbekistan’s nine and extended its recent World Cup group-stage run to seven wins in eight matches.
Colombia next plays DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Uzbekistan faces Portugal the same day in Houston.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.