Luis Diaz, Colombia defeat World Cup 2026 debutants Uzbekistan

Luis Diaz, Colombia defeat World Cup 2026 debutants UzbekistanThe star winger scores a goal and sets up another, as Colombia make a winning return to the FIFA World Cup.Colombia opened their World Cup Group K campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, as Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz ⁠struck to overcome a spirited second-half response from the tournament debutants.Uzbekistan were disciplined for long periods under their Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro, but Colombia’s greater quality stood out in front of a crowd of over 80,000 on a cool, rain-tinged evening in Mexico City.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Kane double fires England past Croatia in World Cup thrillerlist 2 of 4Ghana beat Panama with injury-time winner in chaotic World Cup matchlist 3 of 4South Africa coach tells critics to ‘shut up’ after poor start to World Cuplist 4 of 4Preview: South Africa play Czechia, seek first WC win after Mexico defeatend of listColombia, the Copa ⁠America runners-up, had early sights of goal through Jhon Arias and James Rodriguez, but Uzbekistan sat deep, scrapped gamely and waited for mistakes. Bekhruz Karimov almost profited when he burst forward, only for Jhon Lucumi to intervene before he could shoot.Diaz had the clearest chance of the opening half when he struck the post, before Abdukodir Khusanov slid in after the winger ‌had knocked the ball past him, taking out both the Colombian player and a pitchside cameraman who required medical treatment.Uzbekistan’s resistance finally cracked in the 40th minute. Diaz gathered the ball after an attack had broken down and clipped a fine pass into the path of Munoz, who guided home a neat finish for his third international goal.The large Colombian contingent erupted, their yellow shirts making the Azteca look and sound almost like home. Chants of “Vamos Colombia”, adapted from a Club America-style chorus, rolled around the ground, while Uzbekistan’s small band ⁠of supporters answered with drums of their own.Colombia’s Luis Diaz celebrates scoring their second goal [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters]Fayzullaev scores Uzbekistan’s maiden World Cup goalUzbekistan improved after the ⁠break and equalised on the hour with the country’s first World Cup goal.