Mexico City: Former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz and Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz scored as Colombia defeated debutants Uzbekistan to make a winning return to the World Cup.
Colombia secured victory at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to move to the top of Group K after failing to qualify for the 2022 tournament.
Daniel Munoz, also playing in his first World Cup, opened the scoring in the 40th minute on Wednesday night following a pass from Diaz. Diaz then restored Colombia's lead in the 65th minute when his close-range effort deflected off the hands of diving goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov and trickled over the line.
Fayzullaev Abbosbek scored in the 60th minute for Uzbekistan, who were making their 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 entered the match as heavy favourites against 50th-ranked Uzbekistan.
Colombia moved to the top of Group K, ahead of Portugal and Congo, who played out a surprising 1-1 draw earlier on Wednesday.
The Colombians will face Congo next Thursday in Guadalajara, Mexico, while Uzbekistan will take on Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Houston.
Los Cafeteros returned to the World Cup after missing the tournament in Qatar in 2022. Their best finish came in Brazil in 2014, when they reached the quarter-finals.
Colombia finished third in South American qualifying behind Argentina and Ecuador. Uzbekistan finished second in its Asian qualifying group behind Iran.
