In a World Cup full of superstars, Luis Diaz joined the party with a goal and an assist in Colombia’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.
The evidence suggests Diaz has no intention of watching Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane share the spotlight alone.
Diaz arrived at the tournament with little fanfare, but his record of 49 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich speaks volumes at what level the flying winger has performed at.
He led the show for Colombia, who relied on Diaz’s creative spark to open the scoring when Daniel Munoz finished brilliantly with a pass that broke the winger’s defence.
The World Cup debutants equalized in the 60th minute when Abbosbek Fayzullaev headed home the first strike.
Diaz took matters into his own hands five minutes later, finishing into the far corner to hand the advantage back to the South Americans.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz put all doubt aside with a header from Cucho Hernández’s cross nine minutes from time, but there was still time for Uzbekistan’s Bekhruz Karimov to fire a shot against the crossbar.
Important moments in Mexico City…
-
31: Diaz has his first big chance for Colombia but hits the post.
-
35: target! Munoz shows incredible skill in linking Colombia forward.
-
60: target! Faizulayev made history by scoring Uzbekistan’s first World Cup goal.
-
65: target! Colombia were soon back in front when Diaz slotted home a goal to match his performance.
-
90+8: target! Campaz sealed the deal by heading home a cross from Hernández.
World Cup of Superstars
Lewis Jones on Sky Sports:
“Now that we have seen all 48 teams in action at the World Cup, the picture is starting to take shape. Some look like real contenders, others look like they could be dark horses and a select few look as likely to make it to this tournament as cabbage wins beauty awards.
“This has been a World Cup for moments of genius, with superstars playing. Without them, we’re going to struggle.
“Mbappe, Messi, Haaland, Kane and Diaz are all in the spotlight. That’s what life is like at the World Cup. It’s been a lot of fun. And there’s a lot more to come.”
