Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, Colombia made an impressive start to their Group K campaign, with Luis Diaz, Daniel Munoz and Jaminton Campaz all on target to send the South Americans top of the group.
Crystal Palace defender Munoz opened the scoring with a brilliant full-stretch volley after latching onto a superb forward pass from Diaz, who had earlier struck the post.
Uzbekistan, led by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, responded in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed in from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had parried an effort from Gustavo Puerta.
Colombia’s response was swift. Former Liverpool forward Diaz restored their lead with a strike that found the net despite Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov getting both hands to the ball.
Uzbekistan, ranked 50th in the world, pushed for another equaliser and came close in the 90th minute when Akmal Mozgovoy curled an effort narrowly wide.
Colombia then sealed the win late on as substitute Jaminton Campaz headed home their third goal. There was still time for Jakhongir Urozov to hit the crossbar for Uzbekistan, but Colombia held firm to claim all three points.
For Diaz, the goal was his first at a World Cup. The 29-year-old helped Liverpool win the Premier League in the 2024-25 season before completing a £65.5 million move to Bayern Munich last summer.
He arrived at the tournament after an excellent debut campaign in Germany, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists as Bayern won the Bundesliga and domestic cup double.
In Group K’s other fixture, Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo.
Uzbekistan face Portugal on Tuesday at 18:00 BST, while Colombia meet DR Congo on Wednesday at 03:00 BST.
