Colombia finished in third place in South American qualifying
Uzbekistan are one of the World Cup’s debuting nations
Recommended bet: Colombia -1 handicap @ 27/25
Tournament debutants Uzbekistan and potential dark horses Colombia have had to wait nearly a week for their World Cup opener, as the two Group K rivals clash in the final game from round one in the early hours of Thursday morning at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Colombia’s best result at a World Cup is a run to the quarter-finals but they have a strong squad and will feel they are capable of bettering that this summer.
Uzbekistan, who are managed by Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, have already made history by reaching the main draw and are the clear underdogs ahead of their opener.
See the latest Uzbekistan vs Colombia odds on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Former defender Cannavaro, perhaps unsurprisingly, opts for a very conservative 3-4-2-1 formation with Uzbekistan.
Only three members of the Uzbekistan squad play in Europe - Abdukodir Khusanov, Eldor Shomurodov and Abbosbek Fayzullaev - and the trio should all start, with Manchester City’s Khusanov the key man in their side.
Jaloliddin Masharipov is a concern for Uzbekistan and he will probably miss the opener.
Colombia have no injury concerns going into the opener. Sporting Lisbon striker Luis Suarez will spearhead their attack, supported by veteran James Rodriguez.
The stats
Colombia have won seven of their last 10 games (D1, L2).
Uzbekistan are winless in three (D1, L2).
Colombia finished in third place in South American qualifying behind Argentina and Ecuador.
Los Cafeteros finished as the runners-up at the 2024 Copa America, which was held in the USA.
Colombia have scored more than once in seven of their last 10 games.
See the latest Uzbekistan vs Colombia odds on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
There is a clear gulf in class between these two sides and Colombia have an opportunity to make a bold statement in their opener by winning with some room to spare.
Uzbekistan lost 2-1 to the Netherlands in their final warm-up friendly but on balance they were fortunate to only lose by one goal, and in a competitive setting they could be put to the sword by a Colombian side who are capable of scoring heavily.
Los Cafeteros have won seven of their last 10 games and that run has included a 6-3 win over Venezuela, a 4-0 victory over Mexico in Texas and a 3-0 win over Australia.
Prior to the defeat to the Oranje, Uzbekistan went down 2-0 to Canada, and Colombia are perhaps a level above the tournament co-hosts.
The South Americans look capable of winning by more than one goal as they kick off their World Cup bid in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Score prediction: Uzbekistan 0-3 Colombia
