Munoz draws first blood defeating Uzbekistan

Colombia marked their return to the World Cup with a decisive 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to move top of Group K. Former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz both scored to secure the points for the South Americans, who failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament. A crowd of 80,824 watched the encounter, which leaves Fabio Cannavaro's Uzbekistan side facing a crucial upcoming match against Portugal.

The South Americans opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Munoz connected with a fine forward pass from Diaz to volley home at full stretch, shortly after Diaz hit the post. Uzbekistan equalised in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed in from close range after Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas parried an initial effort. Colombia regained the lead 5 minutes later through Diaz, whose strike beat goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov to mark his first-ever World Cup goal following a stellar 15-goal domestic season with Bayern Munich.

Uzbekistan, ranked 50th in the world, missed a late chance to level when Akmal Mozgovoy curled a shot wide in the 90th minute. Colombia substitute Jaminton Campaz then sealed the win by heading a third goal deep into stoppage time, before a final response from Uzbekistan saw Jakhongir Urozov strike the crossbar. Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in the group's other opening fixture.

-BBC