Image: IMAGO
Colombia show class to overcome debutants Uzbekistan
Colombia beat World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K, but had to work hard for the win after Fayzullaev scored his country's first ever World Cup goal to level at 1-1 in the second half
Colombia opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, though the three points didn't come easily. Daniel Muñoz opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a sharp volley, finishing off a superb move built on a perfect pass from Luis Díaz. Uzbekistan — appearing at their first ever World Cup under coach Fabio Cannavaro — levelled in the 60th minute through Abosbek Fayzullaev, who headed in a rebound to score his country's historic first World Cup goal.
Colombia responded quickly, with Luis Díaz restoring the lead five minutes later after driving into the box and firing past the goalkeeper. Substitute Háminton Cuesta sealed the win deep in stoppage time with a header from a Cucho Hernández cross, completing a 3-1 scoreline that flattered the South Americans somewhat.
Veteran playmaker James Rodríguez pulled the strings for Colombia before being substituted late on, while Díaz — double-marked throughout — was the standout creative force. Uzbekistan showed plenty of fight and nearly made it 2-2 in the closing stages, with Behruzjon Karimov rattling the crossbar with a long-range effort.
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