Using two second half goals, Colombia secured their 3-1 win over World Cup newcomer Uzbekistan.
With their win over the Uzbeks, Colombia holds sole possession of first place in Group K.
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Colombia dominated most of the first half, biding their time, searching for a chance to break through.
However, they struggled for a majority of the first half to finish any attacking opportunities.
That would change in the 40th minute, however.
Colombia’s Luis Díaz would drive a long pass into the box from distance.
On the receiving end, Daniel Muñoz would make a terrific run to get in behind the Uzbek defense.
Muñoz would meet the Díaz pass with a sensational strike onto goal, putting Colombia ahead late in the first half.
Colombia would take their one goal advantage into the locker room.
Starting the second half, Colombia’s offensive struggles persisted.
As for Uzbekistan, the World Cup debutants continued to look for anything they could turn into an offensive opportunity.
And it would be the Uzbeks who would find the first attempt on net of the second half.
In the 60th minute Eldor Shomurodov would take a first touch strike onto the Colombian net.
Goalkeeper Camilo Vargas would be forced to make his first save of the night, deflecting the strike right back across the face of goal.
The deflection would meet the head of Abbosbek Fayzullaev who all but walked the ball into goal, notching the first ever World Cup goal in Uzbekistan history.
But Díaz would make sure Colombia wouldn’t remain even for long.
In the 65th minute, Díaz would drive home a pass from Gustavo Puerta, putting the Colombians right back on top.
But Uzbekistan would continue to hunt for a second equalizer, finding several opportunities late.
However, Colombian substitute Cucho Hernández would quell any uncertainty of a Colombian victory in the 90+9 minute.
Following a tumble, Hernández would quickly return to his feet and fire what might be the pass of the tournament so far to this point.
Inside the box Jáminton Campaz was ready to meet the pass full force. Heading it home and sealing a Colombian victory once and for all.
The match would conclude minutes later, solidifying the Colombians 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
Colombia and Uzbekistan will both play their second group stage match on Tuesday.
Uzbekistan will look to take on a Portugal, a side who has several questions to answer, at 1 p.m.
As for Colombia, they’ll match up against the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 10 p.m.
Follow Adrian Murillo Silva on Instagram @adrianms_offical
