Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia: Sublime Díaz spoils White Wolves’ World Cup debut | OneFootball

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Luis Díaz carried his spectacular club form into Colombia’s opening World Cup match in a 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan at the Mexico City Stadium.

The Bayern Munich winger assisted Daniel Muñoz’s first-half opener before scoring himself just after the hour mark, before the White Wolves scored their first-ever World Cup goal courtesy of Abbosbek Fayzullaev.

Jaminton Campaz sealed all three points for Néstor Lorenzo’s side, who will now face DR Congo with a chance to book a place in the round of 16, while Fabio Cannavaro’s men will play Portugal.

As it Happened

It was eight o’clock in the evening in Mexico City, but thousands of miles east, Uzbekistan had given their supporters a rare late start to the working day so that people could watch their nation make history on its World Cup debut.

The occasion was huge, but the start was cautious, and it took more than 15 minutes for fans to see the first real sight of goal, as Jhon Arias fired from the edge of the box with his effort flashing into the side netting of Utkir Yusupov’s goal.

By the time the first hydration break arrived, Colombia had established control of the ball, but Uzbekistan remained disciplined in their back five.

And that defensive unit would not be tested until the half-hour mark, when Colombia finally created a golden chance.

Jefferson Lerma played a beautifully disguised ball into the penalty area where Díaz looked to pounce, but Bayern Munich’s superstar came agonisingly close, seeing his left-footed shot bounce off the post and back into play.

Ten minutes later, Colombia made their dominance count as Díaz turned creator and produced a sensational delivery from deep that carved open Uzbekistan’s defence.

The ball dropped invitingly into the six-yard box, where Muñoz arrived at full speed before flicking it over Yusupov, who was rooted to the spot.

James Rodríguez had a quiet first half, his long-range strike safely gathered by the keeper, as Cannavaro’s side ended the half on the ropes, with the interval coming to their rescue.

Just like the first, it was a cagey start to the second half as Néstor Lorenzo’s side continued to grow into the game. But with few chances for both teams, there was still hope for the World Cup debutants.

And the opportunity arrived right on the hour mark. Camilo Vargas made a mess of Eldor Shomurodov’s volley, spilling the ball awkwardly into the air, and Fayzullaev was quickest to react, arriving on the goal line to head into the empty net.

But the Uzbek celebrations lasted only five minutes, and they were soon trailing once more.

Colombia intercepted possession deep in the opposition half before Gustavo Puerta slipped a pass into Díaz. The winger took aim and fired into the bottom corner through the outstretched arm of Yusupov, who felt he should have done better.

Colombia continued attacking, as Johan Mojica tried his luck from distance, but his shot fizzled over the bar.

Former Tottenham centre-back Davinson Sánchez had an even better chance minutes later, but his right-footed strike missed the corner by a whisker.

Substitute Jaminton Campaz then saw his shot fly miles off target and into the Mexican sky.

Down the other end, Uzbekistan finally had another chance of their own as Akmal Mozgovoy drove into the penalty area and searched for the top corner, but dragged the shot wide.

The debutants looked threatening for the remainder of stoppage time but failed to manufacture a clear-cut chance.

And there was time for one more Colombia attack, and one more brilliant goal. Cucho Hernández wrestled back the ball on the right wing before delivering a perfect cross into the middle for Campaz to head home.

Colombia went on to claim top spot in Group K following Portugal’s draw with DR Congo, with Díaz taking his season tally to 30 goals for club and country.

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Uzbekistan – Colombia Live Score