Colombia’s return to the FIFA World Cup after eight years was marked by control, resilience, and moments of brilliance. In front of 80,824 fans in Mexico City, Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring late in the first half after a clever assist from Díaz, Softfootball reports.
Uzbekistan responded after the break, with Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalising in the 61st minute. Fabio Cannavaro’s side grew into the game, hitting the woodwork twice and briefly threatening an upset.
But Colombia’s quality told: Díaz restored the lead just five minutes later, finishing Gustavo Puerta’s setup, before substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the win in stoppage time with a composed strike from Cucho Hernández’s cross.
The result puts Colombia in a strong position in Group K, especially after Portugal’s earlier 1-1 draw with DR Congo.
Player Ratings
Uzbekistan
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Utkir Yusupov | 5 |
| Rustamjon Ashurmatov | 5 |
| Abdulla Abdullaev | 5 |
| Abdukodir Khusanov | 6 |
| Sherzod Nasrulloev | 5 |
| Otabek Shukurov | 6 |
| Akmal Mozgovoy | 6 |
| Behruzjon Karimov | 6 |
| Oston Urunov | 6 |
| Eldor Shomurodov | 6 |
| Abbosbek Fayzullayev | 6 |
| Subs: Dostonbek Khamdamov (6), Farrukh Sayfiev (5), Azizbek Amonov (5), Jakhongir Urozov (5), Igor Sergeev (N/A) |
Colombia
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Camilo Vargas | 5 |
| Johan Mojica | 6 |
| Jhon Lucumí | 7 |
| Davinson Sánchez | 7 |
| Daniel Muñoz | 8 |
| Jhon Arias | 6 |
| Jefferson Lerma | 6 |
| Gustavo Puerta | 7 |
| James Rodríguez | 6 |
| Luis Díaz | 9 (Man of the Match) |
| Luis Suárez | 6 |
| Subs: Jaminton Campaz (7), Richard Ríos (5), Juan Cucho Hernández (7), Kevin Castaño (N/A), Andrés Gómez (N/A) |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Colombia | Uzbekistan |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Total Shots | 15 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 3 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.61 | 1.14 |
| Big Chances | 4 | 1 |
| Touches in Box | 27 | 5 |
| Fouls Committed | 11 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Saves | 2 | 3 |
