Colombia’s first World Cup match of 2018 begins against tournament debutants Uzbekistan in Mexico City.
Nestor Lorenzo’s side were one of four teams to finish CONMEBOL’s tough qualifying process with 28 points, but a sizeable goal difference saw them sit third in the table. After losing to England, of all teams, on penalties in 2018 and failing to qualify for 2022, Colombia are aiming to rekindle the spirit of Brazil 2014 in North America this summer.
The South Americans have had a slow start to this World Cup, but Colombia have a good chance of starting with a nice win.
34 years after gaining independence, Uzbekistan finally qualified for the big dance after a series of near misses and made a big-name appointment after their place in North America was secured last June.
The White Wolves are led by 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro on their first appearance. The former Italy defender doesn’t boast the brightest of managerial CVs and results have been up and down over the past year.
Interestingly, Uzbekistan is the first double landlocked country to qualify for the World Cup.
Uzbekistan vs Colombia score prediction
No miracle from Mexico City
Colombia missed out on the 2022 World Cup. | Meg McLaughlin/Getty Images
The two nations clash for the first time at the stunning football amphitheater that is the Estadio Azteca. Co-hosts Mexico kicked off the tournament by beating South Africa 2-0 at this stadium last Thursday, and their second outing of the summer could see Uzbekistan make history.
Cannavaro’s side are looking for their first World Cup win at the first attempt, but Colombia are heavy favorites for Wednesday night’s match. Things are as good as they have been for the South Americans since they reached the quarter-finals 12 years ago, with progress to the 2024 Copa América final an indicator of their resurgence.
Few have discussed Colombia as a potential dark horse, with neighbors Ecuador more hotly debated, but that may have done Lorenzo’s men a disservice.
Ranking discrepancy: Uzbekistan are ranked 50th in the FIFA world rankings, while Colombia are ranked 13th. There is an obvious talent gap between these two nations and while that is not the be all and end all, it means the Central Asian outfit have a tough job to get a result. Overcoming low stakes: Colombia will face a stubborn team aiming to pull off a Cabo Verde-like miracle in Mexico City. Fortunately, he had plenty of practice against deep defenses before the tournament, facing Costa Rica and Jordan. Colombia won the matches 3–1 and 2–0 respectively. Crucially, it made the runners and creators give open defense of Uzbekistan. Untested Uzbeks: Fabio Cannavaro’s side lost in Canada and the Netherlands before the tournament and have not beaten South American opposition over 90 minutes since Bolivia were beaten 1-0 at the start of 2023.
Prediction: Uzbekistan 1–3 Colombia
Uzbekistan vs Colombia predicted line-up
Uzbekistan is the latest newcomer to struggle with his stuff. | Sports Illustrated
2006 Ballon d’Or winner Cannavaro is set to deploy a back three in North America this summer and Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov will be the main figure in Uzbekistan’s defence.
The standout rebounding defender has emerged as a national hero, with supporters familiar with his daring forays from the back. He will certainly perform with fewer constraints on the international stage, having spent his entire City career to date under Pep Guardiola.
Former Roma center forward Eldor Shomurodov is the other familiar name on Uzbekistan’s roster. Now plying his trade for İstanbul Başakşehir, Shomurodov is his nation’s all-time top scorer with 44 goals. He also scored 22 league goals in Türkiye last season.
Shomurodov’s teammate Abbosbek Fayzullaev, 22, is the only other Uzbek player competing in Europe. The vast majority compete in the Uzbekistan Super League.
Predicted line-up Uzbekistan vs Colombia (3-4-3): Yusupov; Khusanov, Abdullaev, Ashurmatov; Sayfiev, Shukurov, Mozgovoy, Nazrullaev; Fayzullaev, Shomurodov, Urunov.
Colombia vs Uzbekistan predicted team
Colombia has an interesting attack. | Sports Illustrated
Colombia have a tasty front line, on paper, even if 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodríguez has long surpassed the best. Now 34, Rodríguez is set for one last salsa with the national team this summer.
Luis Díaz provides a more reliable and powerful threat in tandem with Sporting CP’s Luis Suárez. Díaz was second top scorer in CONMEBOL qualifying and Suárez led the Primeira Liga scoring charts last season, impressively replacing Viktor Gyökeres.
Box-to-box midfielder Richard Ríos is not hard to miss. He impressed for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup last summer and subsequently earned a move to Benfica. Don’t be surprised if he is linked with a major transfer after the tournament.
Colombia’s defense consists of the experienced Davinson Sánchez, as well as Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz and Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí.
Predicted line-up Colombia vs Uzbekistan (4-2-3-1): Vargas; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Lerma, Ríos; Arias, Rodríguez, Díaz; Suárez.
Pick your World Cup starting XIs!
What time does Uzbekistan vs Colombia start?
Location: Mexico City, MexicoStadium: Estadio AztecaDate: Wednesday, June 17 / Thursday, June 18 Kick-off: 22:00 ET / 19:00 PT / 3:00 BST (18 June) Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)
How to watch Uzbekistan vs Colombia on TV, live stream
Country
Emitter(s)
United States
FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
Canada
TSN+, TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, RDS app
Mexico
ViX Mexico
United Kingdom
BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
MORE: Complete list of worldwide broadcasters for Uzbekistan vs Colombia
READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, UPDATES AND ANALYSIS HERE
Add us as a favorite source on GoogleFollow