The star winger scores a goal and sets up another, as Colombia make a winning return to the FIFA World Cup.
Colombia opened their World Cup Group K campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday, as Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz struck to overcome a spirited second-half response from the tournament debutants.
Uzbekistan were disciplined for long periods under their Italian coach Fabio Cannavaro, but Colombia’s greater quality stood out in front of a crowd of over 80,000 on a cool, rain-tinged evening in Mexico City.
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end of list Colombia , the Copa America runners-up, had early sights of goal through Jhon Arias and James Rodriguez, but Uzbekistan sat deep, scrapped gamely and waited for mistakes. Bekhruz Karimov almost profited when he burst forward, only for Jhon Lucumi to intervene before he could shoot.
Diaz had the clearest chance of the opening half when he struck the post, before Abdukodir Khusanov slid in after the winger had knocked the ball past him, taking out both the Colombian player and a pitchside cameraman who required medical treatment.
Uzbekistan’s resistance finally cracked in the 40th minute. Diaz gathered the ball after an attack had broken down and clipped a fine pass into the path of Munoz, who guided home a neat finish for his third international goal.
The large Colombian contingent erupted, their yellow shirts making the Azteca look and sound almost like home. Chants of “Vamos Colombia”, adapted from a Club America-style chorus, rolled around the ground, while Uzbekistan’s small band of supporters answered with drums of their own.
Colombia’s Luis Diaz celebrates scoring their second goal [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters] Fayzullaev scores Uzbekistan’s maiden World Cup goal
Uzbekistan improved after the break and equalised on the hour with the country’s first World Cup goal.
Dostonbek Khamdamov fed Eldor Shomurodov, whose shot from the right side of the box was saved low by Camilo Vargas. The goalkeeper could not hold it, however, and Abbosbek Fayzullaev nodded in the rebound from close range.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev celebrates scoring Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters] However, Uzbekistan’s joy lasted only five minutes.
Gustavo Puerta released Diaz in the 65th minute, and the forward side-footed across goal to restore Colombia’s lead. The crowd responded with chants of “Lucho, Lucho”.
Uzbekistan kept pushing. Akmal Mozgovoy shot narrowly off target in stoppage time, Karimov hit the bar with an effort from distance, and Azizbek Amonov had a shot blocked after Otabek Shukurov’s pass.
But Colombia had the final word, Campaz scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time to settle a contest in which Nestor Lorenzo’s side had 15 attempts to Uzbekistan’s nine, and extended their strong recent group-stage record to seven wins in eight World Cup matches.
Colombia face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara, after Uzbekistan play Portugal on the same day in Houston.
Colombia’s Jaminton Campaz celebrates after the match [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters] The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11. You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.
Read the full article at Al Jazeera English →4 reports
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter3 days agoIn their first World Cup match, Uzbekistan faced Colombia at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico. Despite an ambitious performance and a goal scored by Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Uzbekistan was defeated 3-1. Colombia took control after halftime with goals from Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz. The match highlighted Colombia's dominance despite Uzbekistan's efforts.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral account of a sports match without taking a political stance or showing bias toward either team. It focuses on the game events, player performances, and match outcomes without any ideological framing.
NBC NewsIndependentCenter3 days agoThe article covers Colombia's World Cup debut match against Uzbekistan, where Colombia won 3-1. It includes various video segments featuring Colombian players and analysts discussing their performance, emotions, and expectations for the tournament.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports coverage with no political commentary or framing. The content is purely descriptive of the match outcome and player reactions without any ideological slant.
Al Jazeera EnglishState / PublicCenter3 days agoColombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca. Luis Diaz scored a goal and provided an assist, while Daniel Munoz and Jaminton Campaz also found the net. Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, showed resilience but were ultimately outclassed by Colombia's superior quality.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of a sports match without any overtly biased language, framing, or emphasis on political issues. It focuses solely on the game's events, player performances, and match outcome.
SRF NewsState / PublicCenter3 days agoIn Group K of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3:1. Luis Diaz was instrumental in the victory with an assist and a goal. Portugal drew 1:1 against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other match of the group.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports match without any political commentary, framing, or bias. It focuses purely on the game events, player performances, and match outcomes.
