Colombia defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup match, with Luis Díaz speaking to media in the mixed zone afterward.
Let's talk about this first match. For Colombia, this was a crucial game, and you're now top of the group. You also scored and provided an assist. Walk us through the match.
First, I'm grateful to God for this wonderful moment. I'm really happy with the result—it's exactly what we wanted before the game. Winning the opening match is vital because it puts us top of the group temporarily. I think we played well and controlled the first half effectively. In the second half, Uzbekistan clearly improved, but that's normal for a first match. Now we need to address the areas where we struggled, take things step by step, and stay grounded. That's how the World Cup works—every match is difficult, none are easy, and we must accept that.
Luis, how did your first World Cup match feel? Tell us about that goal—what went through your mind when you scored?
It was an incredibly special moment. I felt something special even during the warm-up. Walking onto the pitch, I almost cried. So many things from my past flashed through my mind. I've worked incredibly hard to get here and have now fulfilled my childhood dream of representing my country at the World Cup. What makes it even better is that I could help the team with a goal and an assist. But I want to emphasize the team's overall performance—none of this happens without my teammates. We're a very united group, and we'll keep improving match by match. Right now, I'm truly very happy.
Was winning today the most important thing? Was the performance less important?
Yes (laughs). For us, winning was paramount. We had to find every way to get this victory because in a first match, mistakes can happen. Opponents gradually build momentum as the match progresses. Many factors influence the game—the atmosphere, the pressure of the opening fixture, stadium energy, and fatigue. So it's normal we had some rough patches. But as I said, we need to improve while staying calm. Winning and getting three points was crucial for us in this opening match.
In the first half, you and James switched positions at times, playing on different flanks. Facing a team defending deep with defensive issues, do you need more efficiency and patience?
Yes, we need patience. But Uzbekistan played tightly and were hard to break down—we anticipated that before the match. Again, it's the first game. You want everything to be perfect, but sometimes emotions and pressure affect you, and things don't go exactly as planned. We kept trying to control the match. In the second half they improved, then we scored the third goal, which was vital. The substitutes also performed exceptionally well—they deserve real credit.