Colombia overcome Uzbekistan challenge to make winning World Cup start

TLE DESK: Luis Díaz marked his World Cup debut with a goal and an assist as Colombia opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K on Wednesday.

Daniel Muñoz gave Colombia the lead five minutes before half-time after being picked out by Díaz, but Uzbekistan drew level through Abbosbek Fayzullaev in the 60th minute.

The South Americans regained control five minutes later when Díaz restored their advantage with a close-range effort that slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and crossed the line.

Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the victory in stoppage time, ensuring Colombia made a winning start to their first World Cup campaign since missing the 2022 finals in Qatar.

Backed by a crowd of more than 80,000 at the Estadio Azteca, Colombia were largely in control but faced a determined challenge from World Cup debutants Uzbekistan.

The result puts Colombia top of Group K after Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo earlier in the day. Colombia next face Congo in Guadalajara, while Uzbekistan take on Portugal in Houston.