News Focus
- Daniel Muñoz scores spectacular volley created by his Crystal Palace teammate Jefferson Lerma
- Uzbekistan equalise through Abbosbek Fayzullaev before Luis Díaz restores Colombia’s lead five minutes later
- Jaminton Campaz heads home in stoppage time to secure a 3-1 win for the South Americans
- Severe flooding around Mexico City causes four-hour traffic delays for supporters travelling to the stadium
- Victory sends Colombia to the top of their group following DR Congo’s draw with Portugal
Colombia secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a resilient Uzbekistan side to open their World Cup finals account at the Estadio Azteca on Wednesday evening.
The South Americans needed a moment of individual brilliance to break down their opponents’ defensive wall. Full-back Daniel Muñoz, who plays club football alongside Jefferson Lerma in south London, produced a stunning finish in the first half. Lerma slipped a measured pass into the penalty area, where Muñoz stretched his right leg to volley the ball past goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.
Supporters faced nightmare conditions reaching the stadium. Torrential rain transformed roads across Mexico City into treacherous rivers, causing multiple crashes on the Anillo Periférico. A journey that normally takes one hour extended beyond four, forcing hundreds of fans to abandon their vehicles and walk the final distance to the ground.
Inside the stadium, a sea of yellow shirts created an electric atmosphere for Colombia. A small group of Uzbekistan fans, wearing distinctive white wigs and banging drums, provided noisy support despite being heavily outnumbered.
The first half offered little action until Muñoz’s strike. Uzbekistan, who had kept seven clean sheets during qualifying, defended deep in a five-man backline. They successfully frustrated Colombia’s attack for long periods, with lone striker Eldor Shomurodov chasing every lost cause.
The contest improved after the restart when Uzbekistan pushed forward. They found an equaliser on the hour mark when Shomurodov’s volley struck goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and rebounded for Abbosbek Fayzullaev to head into an empty net.
The parity lasted only five minutes. Gustavo Puerta robbed Shomurodov and quickly fed Luis Díaz, whose low drive squirmed through Yusupov’s hands to put Colombia back in front. Substitute Jaminton Campaz sealed the result deep into added time, nodding home after persistent work from Juan Camilo Hernández.
The three points lift Colombia to the summit of their group, although tougher challenges await against sides willing to attack rather than simply absorb pressure.