Diaz Inspires Colombia to Winning Start Against Uzbekistan at World Cup

Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, moving to the top of Group K after the opening round of matches.

After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup, the South American side made an encouraging start to their campaign, with key contributions from former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and defender Daniel Munoz.

Colombia looked dangerous from the outset, with Diaz striking the post early in the contest. The breakthrough eventually arrived when Munoz produced a superb full-stretch volley, converting a precise forward pass from Diaz to give his side a deserved lead.

Uzbekistan, playing in their first-ever World Cup and guided by Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro, refused to back down. The Central Asian side found an equaliser in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas could only parry an effort from Gustavo Puerta.

The parity, however, lasted only briefly. Colombia responded almost immediately through Diaz, whose powerful strike found its way into the net despite Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov getting both hands on the ball. The goal was a significant milestone for the Colombian star, marking his first-ever World Cup goal.

Uzbekistan pushed hard in search of another equaliser and came close late in the match. Akmal Mozgovoy narrowly missed the target with a curling effort in the 90th minute, while Jakhongir Urozov later rattled the crossbar, highlighting the threat posed by the tournament newcomers.

Any hopes of a late comeback were ended when substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in Colombia’s third goal deep into stoppage time, sealing all three points for his side.

The victory continues a strong period for Diaz, who enjoyed an outstanding season following his move to Bayern Munich in a £65.5 million transfer last summer. After helping Liverpool win the Premier League title in 2024-25, the Colombian forward went on to score 15 goals and register 14 assists for Bayern as they completed a German league and cup double.

In the other Group K fixture, Portugal and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw, leaving Colombia alone at the summit of the standings after the opening matches.

Uzbekistan will next face Portugal, while Colombia will look to build on their winning start when they take on DR Congo in their second group-stage encounter.