Luis Diaz was pivotal in Colombia's 3-1 win over Uzbekistan at the World Cup. -AP
Luis Díaz produced a goal and an assist in his debut on soccer's biggest stage, sparking Colombia to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in their World Cup opener.
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Daniel Muñoz, also playing in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the 40th minute on Wednesday after a pass from Díaz, who scored the equaliser in the 65th when his strike from close range beat deflected off diving goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and trickled across the line.
Fayzullaev Abbosbek scored in the 60th minute for Uzbekistan, who made their World Cup debut in front of a heavily pro-Colombia crowd of 80,824 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Jaminton Campaz added a goal in second-half stoppage time for the Colombians, who are ranked 13th in the world and were heavy favourites over 50th-ranked Uzbekistan.
Colombia moved atop Group K, ahead of Portugal and Congo, who played to a surprising 1-1 draw earlier.
The Colombians will face Congo next Thursday at Guadalajara, Mexico, while Uzbekistan take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal at Houston.
The Cafeteros returned to World Cup after missing the Qatar tournament in 2022. Their best finish came in 2014 in Brazil, when they reached the quarterfinals.
Colombia finished third in South American qualifying behind Argentina and Ecuador. Uzbekistan were second in their Asian qualifying group behind Iran.
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