Luis Diaz Inspires Colombia to Winning Start Against Spirited Uzbekistan

Colombia made a winning start to their World Cup at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, beating World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 to go top of Group K, with Liverpool's Luis Diaz the inspiration behind the victory.

Munoz breaks through

Colombia took a deserved lead five minutes before half-time. Diaz slid a ball into the box that was met by a well-timed run from Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz, who steered it past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov for the 40th-minute opener.

Uzbekistan fight back

The debutants stepped out of their shell after the break and levelled on the hour mark through Abbosbek Fayzullaev's tap-in. The parity lasted just five minutes: Diaz restored Colombia's lead in the 65th minute with a shot that Yusupov mishandled.

Substitute Jaminton Campaz settled the contest deep into stoppage time, heading home in the 99th minute to seal an end-to-end 3-1 win and three points for Nestor Lorenzo's side.