After a slow and cagey opening to the contest, the match finally moved up a gear after 17 minutes when Jhon Arias’ 20-yard effort rippled the side netting to turn up the volume from the huge number of Colombia supporters inside the ground.
With Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov looking increasingly isolated up front, Los Cafeteros gradually showed more attacking intent as the half progressed, and were unfortunate not to take the lead when Luis Diaz ghosted into the left channel and fired a shot against the far post shortly after the half-hour mark.
Uzbekistan’s resistance was finally broken with HT on the horizon, as a superb flighted delivery into the box from Díaz was met by an outstanding strike from Daniel Munoz, whose finish flew past Utkir Yusupov to edge the South American side in front.
Even though the first half was no classic, Colombia deserved their lead at the interval, while Fabio Cannavaro’s team will have been sorely disappointed to have registered only one shot.
Similarly to the beginning of the first half, both sides struggled to find their rhythm in the early stages following the restart. However, Uzbekistan shocked their opponents on the hour mark when they netted an equaliser from out of nowhere
A wonderful volley from Shomurodov crashed off the woodwork and landed perfectly for Abbosbek Fayzullaev to nod home from point-blank range to make history for his nation with their first-ever WC goal.
Uzbekistan’s joy was short-lived though, as their goal sparked Los Cafeteros back into life and Nestor Lorenzo’s team soon retook the lead. With 25 minutes remaining, Gustavo Puerta picked out Diaz with a smart pass and the Bayern Munich forward’s shot from inside the box trickled over the line when Yusupov ought to have done better to have kept his effort out.
Despite a much better performance in the second half from Uzbekistan, they could not find the quality needed to equalise for a second time and Colombia were able to seal the points through Jaminton Campaz's terrific header deep into stoppage time.
After failing to qualify for the 2022 WC, Colombia will be delighted with their start to the tournament and Los Cafeteros will aim to make it two wins from two in the group stage when they take on DR Congo next week. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be the underdogs once again in their next group game when the White Wolves come up against Portugal.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Luis Diaz (Colombia)