Colombia spoiled Uzbekistan’s historic FIFA World Cup debut with a 3-1 victory in their Group K opener at Estadio Azteca, surviving a spirited second-half fightback from the tournament newcomers to begin their campaign with three points.
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, Los Cafeteros returned to the global stage with renewed ambition and eventually showed their quality, although Fabio Cannavaro’s Uzbekistan side proved they were capable of competing at the highest level.
The match began slowly, with both teams struggling to find rhythm, but Colombia gradually took control.
Jhon Arias provided the first warning sign after 17 minutes when his long-range strike flashed into the side netting, before Luis Díaz went even closer shortly after the half-hour mark, firing against the far post after drifting into space on the left.
Uzbekistan struggled to create attacking momentum, with captain Eldor Shomurodov isolated for long periods, and their resistance was finally broken just before half-time.
Díaz produced a superb delivery into the penalty area, and Daniel Muñoz responded with an outstanding finish that flew beyond goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to give Colombia a deserved lead.
The South Americans entered the break ahead, while Uzbekistan were left frustrated after managing just one shot during a difficult opening 45 minutes.
However, the debutants returned from half-time with renewed confidence and stunned Colombia just after the hour mark.
Shomurodov produced a spectacular volley that struck the woodwork, but the rebound fell perfectly for Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who headed home from close range to score Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Their celebrations were short-lived, though, as Colombia quickly regained control. Twenty-five minutes from time, Gustavo Puerta’s intelligent pass released Luis Díaz, whose effort from inside the box crept over the line despite Yusupov’s attempted save.
Uzbekistan continued to battle and showed far more attacking intent than in the first half, but they lacked the final quality needed to find another equaliser.
Colombia eventually sealed victory deep into stoppage time when Jaminton Campaz produced a superb header to complete the scoring.
The result gives Colombia the ideal start to their World Cup return and sets up a confident approach ahead of their next Group K fixture against DR Congo.
Uzbekistan, meanwhile, can take pride in their historic first goal at the finals but face another challenging test when they meet Portugal next.
