Diaz shines as Colombia opens with a win
Colombia winger Luis Diaz dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked its return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan.
Colombia, which missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.
Uzbekistan equalised on the hour mark after a shot from striker Eldor Shomurodov was spilled by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and Abbosbek Fayzullaev was on the line to head in. However, Diaz restored Colombia's lead five minutes later by slotting the ball in from the left of the area.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a third in stoppage time and Colombia tops Group K after Portugal and Democratic Republic of Congo drew 1-1. The South American side faces DR Congo on Wednesday in Guadalajara after Uzbekistan plays Portugal in Houston.
