Source :- THE AGE NEWS
It’s a short-lived celebration for Uzbekistan, as Colombia once again pull ahead in this contest.
This time it’s Luis Diaz who strikes for Colombia with some help from Gustavo Puerta.
That’s Diaz’s 14th goal for Colombia in 33 matches.
Colombia 2-1 Uzbekistan, 67 minutes
We have a shock goal for Uzbekistan!
It comes out of nowhere, and the mainly Colombian crowd are stunned.
Colombia haven’t quite had the same level of energy since half-time, and Uzbekistan capitalise with a beautiful cross from Dostonbek Khamdamov.
The cross is met by Eldor Shomurodov, who takes a shot at goal, but is denied by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas before Abbosbek scores.
Colombia 1-1 Uzbekistan 64 minutes
We’re into the second half in Mexico City.
Fun fact, by the end of this game, every nation will have played their opening match of the tournament.
It’s been an interesting opening week to this World Cup, with underdog nations going toe-to-toe with football heavyweights.
Some personal favourites of mine include the Socceroos 2-0 win against Turkey (duh), DR Congo’s 1-1 draw with Portugal this morning, Spain and Cape Verde’s 0-0 draw, and Iran and New Zealand’s 2-2 draw.
Colombia 1-0 Uzbekistan, 49 minutes
Colombia strike!
After 42 scoreless minutes, it’s Daniel Munoz who scores for Colombia.
The mostly Colombian crowd are roaring inside the stadium in Mexico City, as Munoz and Diaz team up to score the opener.
Colombia 1-0 Uzbekistan, 43 minutes
Here on FIFA world rankings watch, we’ve noticed something very curious indeed.
Every single match at this World Cup has an impact on the rankings, because FIFA awards +/- points based on the outcome. That has led to a whole bunch of changes up and down the charts, including the Socceroos (up to 22nd from 27th, now back to 23d) and USA (up to 15th from 17th, now 14th).
The weirdest of those rankings changes? Italy, who have managed quite incredibly to rise from 12th to 11th despite their infamous failure to qualify for this 48-team World Cup altogether (there’s a proper explanation on the FIFA rankings page which gets into the maths if that’s your thing… it’s not mine).
The biggest movers among the top 50? Qatar is up six spots to 50th, while mighty Scotland have risen five spots into 37th.
It’s 0-0 at the first hydration break.
Plenty of opportunities for Colombia so far, with 71 per cent of possession, but the scrambling Uzbekistan defence has been able to keep them out for now.
It looks like only a matter of time before world No. 15 Colombia break through.
Colombia 0-0 Uzbekistan, 25 minutes
Our final match of the day is under way.
It’s Uzbekistan against Colombia in Mexico City, and it’s a sea of yellow inside the stadium.
We’re about 15 minutes away from kick-off for our final match of the day – Colombia against Uzbekistan.
So, while you wait, why not check out some of our fantastic content from reporters Vince Rugari and Nick Ralston who are on the ground in the United States?
Caleb Yirenkyi completed a sweeping counterattack with a tap-in goal in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, lifting Ghana to a 1-0 win over Panama in both teams’ opening World Cup match in rainy Toronto.
After Ghana quickly moved the play from their own half, Brandon Thomas-Asante drove the ball into the 18-yard box down the left flank. He rolled a pass toward the middle for Yirenkyi to redirect into the net.
After a very quiet first half, the teams picked up the tempo in the second half, but scoring chances remained minimal until the decisive play.
Panama were the superior team before half-time, while Ghana dictated more of the play after intermission.
