Colombia marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over tournament newcomers Uzbekistan at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, moving to the top of Group K.
After missing out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup, the South American side made a strong start to their campaign, with Daniel Munoz and Luis Diaz playing key roles in securing all three points.
Crystal Palace defender Munoz opened the scoring with an outstanding full-stretch volley, converting a precise forward pass from Diaz. The Bayern Munich winger had earlier come close to breaking the deadlock when he struck the post.
Uzbekistan, managed by World Cup-winning Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro, responded after the break. In the 60th minute, Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas could only parry an initial effort from Eldor Shomurodov.
The equaliser did not unsettle Colombia for long. Just minutes later, Diaz restored his side’s advantage with a powerful strike that found its way into the net despite goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov getting both hands on the ball.
Ranked 50th in the world, Uzbekistan pushed hard for another equaliser. Akmal Mozgovoy came close in the closing stages, curling a shot narrowly wide of the target in the 90th minute.
Colombia eventually sealed the result deep into stoppage time when substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a third goal. Uzbekistan nearly had the final word, but Jakhongir Urozov saw his effort crash against the crossbar.
The goal was a memorable one for Diaz, marking his first at a World Cup. The former Liverpool forward arrived at the tournament following an impressive debut season with Bayern Munich after completing a £65.5 million transfer last summer. He scored 15 goals and registered 14 assists as Bayern secured both the Bundesliga title and the German Cup.
In the other Group K fixture, Portugal and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw.
Uzbekistan will next face Portugal on Tuesday, while Colombia continue their campaign against DR Congo early on Wednesday.