MEXICO CITY: Luis Diaz produced a stellar display as Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan in their Group K clash at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday.
The South Americans controlled much of the contest and eventually made their superiority count, with Diaz playing a decisive role in two goals to send Colombia to the top of Group K.
The Bayern Munich forward provided an assist, a goal and also hit the post as the Colombians resisted a battling performance from the Uzbeks in front of 80,824 spectators in Mexico City.
Colombia enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and dominated possession against an Uzbekistan side making its first-ever appearance at football’s biggest stage.
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Their pressure finally paid off five minutes before the break when Diaz delivered a superb pass into the area for Daniel Munoz, who volleyed home to hand Los Cafeteros a deserved lead.
However, Uzbekistan responded before halftime through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, whose equaliser ensured the teams went into the interval level.
Colombia regained control after the restart, and Diaz took matters into his own hands in the 65th minute, finding the net to restore his side’s advantage.
Jaminton Campaz then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time, scoring a third goal to seal an impressive victory for the South Americans.
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Uzbekistan arrived at the tournament on the back of an excellent qualifying campaign, having suffered only one defeat in 16 matches and finishing behind Iran in their section.
Colombia, meanwhile, are featuring in the World Cup for the sixth time after missing out on Qatar 2022.
They secured qualification by finishing third in the South American standings, registering notable victories over Brazil and Argentina during the campaign.
The victory sends Colombia to the summit of Group K with three points, after Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo played out a 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
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