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Colombia’s old guard led them to a 3-1 win against World Cup debutants Uzbekistan, ensuring they did not commit the same mistake as fellow Group K side Portugal in underestimating their opponents.
Towards the end of a first half in which Uzbekistan held firm, the deadlock was broken by a moment of magic from Colombia, with Luis Diaz sending forward a sumptuous pass which Daniel Munoz finished brilliantly with his right boot in the 41st minute.
But the cCentral Asian side did not give up and were rewarded with their first-ever tournament goal in the 60th minute after some bizarre decision-making from goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, whose attempted block of Eldor Shomurodov’s volley was headed home by Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
Unfortunately for Uzbekistan, that moment was followed by a goalkeeping howler of their own at the other end, with Diaz’s shot trickling over the line five minutes later after a fumble from Utkir Yusupov.
And substitute Jaminton Campaz put the gloss on the win for Colombia in the ninth minute of stoppage time, heading home from a fine Cucho Hernandez cross, sealing a hugely significant three points for the South Americans after that Portugal slip-up against DR Congo.
Here, Jack Lang, Felipe Cardenas, Phil Hay and Tim Spiers analyse the key talking points.
Luis Diaz’s superb starring role
Diaz was in tears during the national anthem and he went after Uzbekistan like a man possessed. The Colombia shirt seems to tap into the soul of the players who wear it.
Diaz had already hit a post and caused plenty of havoc before his assist, drifting inside and outside ,and keeping Uzbekistan guessing. If he wasn’t going to score the opener, you sensed he was going to create it.
The Bayern Munich forward’s pass to Munoz was brilliant for three reasons. Firstly, he’s 35 yards out, making that sort of ball even more difficult to land than it would be anyway. Secondly, the angle facing him isn’t a simple one. But more than that, his reaction to Munoz’s run is blink-of-the-eye stuff: his feet reacting as quickly as his brain can think.
The timing of Munoz’s run and Diaz’s ball make the move impossible for Uzbekistan to defend against. As for Munoz’s flying finish? Goal of the World Cup so far against some very, very stiff competition.
The effort from Diaz which settled the game in the second half wasn’t on that level — but it completed a masterclass of a performance from the former Liverpool winger.
Phil Hay
How did World Cup debutants Uzbekistan do?
Fayzullaev’s goal was only scored from a yard out but it felt like the culmination of a decade of investment and ambition for Uzbek football.
Millions have been spent on infrastructure, stadiums and academies, and it was fitting that the 22-year-old Fayzullaev scored the country’s first ever World Cup goal, given he is one of the poster boys of the nation’s long-term approach to producing elite homegrown footballers.
Did Uzbekistan do themselves justice in defeat here? Considering the monumental task at hand, yes. Manager Fabio Cannavaro was hired to bring international experience and enlist a robust defensive style, which you could see in evidence during a tentative first half, but they were understandably overawed. Every single one of these players was taking part in the biggest game of their lives.
Uzbekistan broke new ground in this game (Rodrigo Oropeza/AFP via Getty Images)
After the break, they grew in confidence and intent and produced that sensational moment, which came via talisman Shomurodov’s excellent volley (which Vargas could not steer to safety) and will have been celebrated wildly back home.
Ultimately, they couldn’t produce a shock result, but they will have gained belief from a spirited, heartening performance.
Tim Spiers
There’s still life in Colombia’s old boys
In 2014, James Rodriguez became a 23-year-old budding global star. Twelve years later, he is leading a Colombia team who now lean on the experience of James and a handful of veterans throughout the pitch.
Davinson Sanchez, 30, has found a new home at Galatasaray and is among the most established starters under coach Nestor Lorenzo. Crystal Palace full-back Munoz, 30, is among the best in the world in his position. His club team-mate Jefferson Lerma, 31, is the midfield lieutenant and a key figure in Lorenzo’s tactical set up.
Colombia can lean on experienced campaigners like James Rodriguez, left, and Daniel Munoz (Alfredo Estrella/AFP via Getty Images)
Johan Mojica, 33, plays in a very visible position at left full-back. He’s among the most scrutinised starters but always seems to deliver a professional performance.
Even Colombia’s star Diaz, playing at his first World Cup, is pushing 30. The man of the match on the night has the endurance of a teenager, European pedigree and the street credentials of a true football celebrity. At 22, Gustavo Puerta is Colombia’s youngest player.
Overall, Colombia know how to suffer to win. They enjoyed a 28-game undefeated streak (22 wins, six draws) before losing the 2024 Copa America final 1-0 to Argentina. Three points on Wednesday night could be the beginning of a new run of success.
Felipe Cadenas
Do Colombia have one foot in the knockouts?
When the World Cup draw was made, Colombia breathed a sigh of relief. They were not just handed one of the more manageable-looking groups; the order of their three fixtures was also favourable. They would only face Portugal, nominal favourites to win the section, in their final game. Before that, there was time to build momentum and belief.
This match, admittedly, turned out to be tricker than some would have anticipated, but they got the job done. The group, though, had already thrown its first curveball: Portugal’s failure to beat DR Congo earlier on Wednesday.
That was, of course, a huge boost to Colombia. They are already on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages, with DR Congo next up in Guadalajara. It already raises the possibility of resting players for that Portugal game — or, depending on how Roberto Martinez’s side get on against Uzbekistan, sticking the knife in.
For Nestor Lorenzo, buoyed by this start, either scenario would work just fine.
Jack Lang