06/17/26 11:22:00
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06/17 23:20 CDT Luis Daz sparks Colombia to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in its
World Cup opener
Luis Daz sparks Colombia to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in its World Cup opener
By CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
AP Sports Writer
MEXICO CITY (AP) --- Luis Daz had a goal and an assist in his debut on
soccer's biggest stage, sparking Colombia to a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan on
Wednesday night in its World Cup opener.
Daniel Muoz, also playing in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the
40th minute after a pass from Daz, who scored the tiebreaking goal in the 65th
when his strike from close range deflected off the hands of diving goalkeeper
Utkir Yusupov and trickled across the line.
Fayzullaev Abbosbek scored in the 60th minute for Uzbekistan, which made its
World Cup debut in front of a heavily pro-Colombia crowd of 80,824 at Estadio
Azteca.
Jaminton Campaz added a goal in second-half stoppage time for the Colombians,
who are ranked 13th in the world and were heavy favorites over 50th-ranked
Uzbekistan.
Colombia moved atop Group K, ahead of Portugal and Congo, who played to a
surprising 1-1 draw earlier Wednesday.
The Colombians will face Congo next Thursday at Guadalajara, Mexico, while
Uzbekistan will take on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal at Houston.
The Cafeteros returned to World Cup after missing the Qatar tournament in 2022.
Their best finish came in 2014 in Brazil, when they reached the quarterfinals.
Colombia finished third in South American qualifying behind Argentina and
Ecuador. Uzbekistan was second in its Asian qualifying group behind Iran.
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup
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