Uzbekistan records first defeat in its first appearance at the World Cup

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Sports Service: In the last match of the first round of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, the national teams of Colombia and Uzbekistan faced each other in Group K at 06:30 this morning (Thursday) Afghanistan time at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico. At the end of the match, Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 with the brilliance of Luis Diaz.

 

In the first half, Uzbekistan tried to focus more on defense and create a threat on the Colombian goal in counterattacks using the speed of Oronov and Faizullahov, but they were unsuccessful. On the other hand, Colombia dominated the ball and the field as the game went on, and after Luis Diaz had struck the Uzbek goal in the 30th minute, Daniel Monbus beautifully scored Colombia's first goal in the 41st minute with an exceptional pass deep into the Uzbek defense.

 

Uzbekistan came on in the second half to make up for the lost goal and scored the equalizer in the 60th minute thanks to a team effort and an incomplete save by Fayzullahov from Vargas, the Colombian goalkeeper. But another mistake soon cost Cannavaro's team. This time in the 66th minute, Colombia's players stole the ball in midfield, putting Luis Diaz in a one-on-one position with Yusupov, whose precise shot earned Colombia's second goal.

 

The game was about to end with this result when in the 90+9 minute, Khaminton Kampas, with a well-placed header, headed the ball from the right side of the field into the Uzbekistan goal to score Colombia's third goal.

 

Anthony Taylor, the famous English referee, was in charge of the match, who took action very early in the match and penalized Colombian defender Johan Mujica with a yellow card. The referee then showed a yellow card to Uzbekistan defender Khosanov.

 

Note: The main lineup of the Uzbekistan national team for this match included Esteghlal defender Ashurmatov and Persepolis midfielder Uston Aronov, both of whom were substituted in the second half. Persepolis striker Igor Sergeev, who was on the bench in this game, entered the field in the 90+2 minute.

 

Also, before the start of the game, the Uzbek players took a commemorative photo with Masharipov's shirt; a player who missed the 2026 World Cup due to injury.

 

In the other Group K match, Portugal and Congo drew 1-1.

 

Luis Diaz was the man of the match with a goal and an assist, playing a key role in Colombia's victory. Despite equalising in the second half, Uzbekistan lost three points due to two fatal defensive errors.