Luis Diaz Runs the Show as Colombia Beat Newcomers Uzbekistan 3-1

Neil57 · Jun 20, 2026, 11:58 AM

Colombia got their tournament up and running with a 3-1 win over World Cup debutants Uzbekistan on June 17, and Luis Diaz was the standout with a goal and an assist. He was direct, scary in transition, and basically too much for a side playing on this stage for the first time

Uzbekistan did not disgrace themselves and even grabbed a goal, which their travelling fans will remember for a long time. But the gulf in quality in the final third was obvious once Colombia found their rhythm

What I liked is that Colombia did not coast. They kept the pressure on after going ahead instead of sitting back, which is a good sign for a team with knockout ambitions

Diaz looks like he is entering that phase of his career where he carries a national team on big nights. If he stays fit Colombia are a genuine dark horse to go deep