Colombia Beat World Cup Debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 to Make Winning

Colombia opened their FIFA World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan on Thursday at the iconic Estadio Azteca. After taking a first-half lead, Colombia were briefly pegged back in the second half before scoring twice more to secure all three points.

Colombia broke the deadlock in the 39th minute through Daniel Muñoz. The defender met a dangerous cross from Luis Díaz inside the penalty area and cleverly guided the ball into the net with a deft touch.

No further goals were scored before halftime, but Colombia dominated proceedings throughout the opening 45 minutes. They enjoyed 72 percent possession compared to Uzbekistan’s 28 percent and registered six shots, three of which were on target. Uzbekistan, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, failed to record a single attempt during the first half.

The newcomers found an equalizer in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullaev. A volley from Eldor Shomurodov was deflected inside the box and bounced across the face of goal after striking the left post. Fayzullaev reacted quickest and headed home from close range to level the score.

However, Colombia restored their lead just five minutes later. Díaz drove into the penalty area and fired a precise right-footed shot across goal and into the far corner to make it 2-1 in the 65th minute.

Colombia sealed the victory deep into stoppage time. A cross from Cucho Hernández was met by Jaminton Campaz, whose low header found the bottom corner in the ninth minute of added time, ensuring a comfortable 3-1 win.

Colombia will face Congo in their next Group Stage match on June 24, while Uzbekistan will look to bounce back when they take on Portugal on June 23.

MMR