Luis Díaz Shines as Colombia Overcome Uzbekistan
Luis Díaz delivered a goal and an assist as Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their FIFA World Cup Group K encounter, with Jaminton Campaz sealing the victory deep into stoppage time.
Colombia struck first in the 40th minute when Daniel Muñoz converted from a Luis Díaz assist to give the South Americans a deserved lead heading into halftime. Uzbekistan, however, responded positively after the break, with Abbosbek Fayzullayev equalising in the 60th minute to bring the hosts back into the contest.
The parity lasted only five minutes as Díaz turned goalscorer, finishing off a move created by Gustavo Puerta to restore Colombia’s advantage at 2-1. The Liverpool winger proved to be Colombia’s standout performer, constantly threatening the Uzbek defence and playing a decisive role in the visitors’ attacking play.
Both sides made several substitutions in the closing stages, with Colombia introducing Jaminton Campaz and Cucho Hernández to inject fresh energy into the attack. As Uzbekistan searched for another equaliser, the South Americans capitalised on the spaces left behind.
In the ninth minute of stoppage time, Campaz put the result beyond doubt after combining with Cucho Hernández, scoring Colombia’s third goal to secure all three points.
The victory gives Colombia a strong start in Group K, while Uzbekistan will look to bounce back in their next World Cup outing after showing encouraging signs, particularly following Fayzullayev’s second-half equaliser.
