Abu dhabi: With one goal and one assist, Luis Diaz led Colombia to a 3-1 win in their World Cup opener against debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
According to Emirates News Agency, Bayern Munich star Diaz hit the post in the 32nd minute but served Daniel Mu±oz's opener in the 41st, sending a brilliant long ball to the box.
Uzbekistan, coached by Italy's 2006 World Champion Fabio Cannavaro, equalized in the 60th minute as Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored their first-ever goal at a World Cup. Eldor Shomurodov hit a volley, and goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made an error in the save, allowing Fayzullaev to nod it home. However, the celebrations were short-lived as Colombia regained the lead just five minutes later. The ball was played to Diaz, who slotted it across goal to add his name to the scoresheet.
Akmal Mozgovoy had a late opportunity to bring Uzbekistan level again, but he fired high and wide. On the other side, Colombia secured their victory in the ninth minute of stoppage time. Cucho Hernandez worked hard down the right to retain the ball and, once he had space, delivered a precise cross to Jaminton Campaz, who powered a header into the net.
Colombia now leads Group K, ahead of Portugal, who are third after starting their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo earlier.