Luis Diaz shines as Colombia beat Uzbekistan in WC group game

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Colombia’s forward #07 Luis Diaz controls the ball past Uzbekistan’s defender #02 Abdukodir Khusanov and Colombia’s midfielder #21 Jaminton Campaz during the 2026 World Cup Group K football match between Uzbekistan and Colombia at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on June 17, 2026. (Photo by Alfredo ESTRELLA / AFP)

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Colombia beat World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening Group K game on Wednesday thanks to an inspired performance from Luis Diaz at the Estadio Azteca.

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The Bayern Munich forward provided an assist, a goal and also hit the post as the Colombians resisted a battling performance from the Uzbeks in front of 80,824 spectators in Mexico City.

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Diaz’s superb lofted pass allowed Daniel Munoz to volley in after 40 minutes, but Abbosbek Fayzullaev equalized with his nation’s maiden World Cup goal as he reacted first to head in a rebound from Eldor Shomurodov’s saved volley.

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Diaz put Colombia back into the lead as he fired a shot that Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov should have stopped.

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In the dying seconds Jaminton Campaz made it three for Colombia with a fine header.

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The win put Colombia top of a group that also features Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who drew 1-1 earlier.

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AFP

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