Colombia beat a spirited Uzbekistan 3-1 to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign to a winning start, as they went top of Group K after matchday one.
Earlier in the day, DR Congo's draw against Portugal had opened up a chance that Colombia seized gratefully.
The win was anything but straightforward, though. After dominating the first half, Daniel Munoz gave them a deserved lead in the 40th minute by getting on the end of a delightful team move. In the second half, though, Uzbekistan stepped out of their defensive shell and troubled Colombia. Abbosbek Fayzullayev equalised with a tap-in on the hour mark and it looked like Uzbekistan were on the up. Five minutes after the equaliser, though, Luis Diaz scored with a weak shot that was mishandled by the Uzbek goalkeeper.
With the Uzbeks pouring forward, Colombia counterattacked at the end and brilliant play by Juan Hernandez set up Jaminton Campaz for the third goal that sealed the deal.
You can relive all the action right here on ESPN: