Colombia head coach Néstor Lorenzo wrapped up the pre-tournament camp with a review of the friendly against Uzbekistan and an assessment of his squad's readiness ahead of the World Cup. John Córdoba is recovering well, but the staff chose to protect him and handed minutes to Cucho Hernández and Luis Díaz instead.

Gustavo Puerta earned his starting berth on merit — the coaching team has monitored him since the U-20 level and he is currently at a good level. Tactically, Lorenzo explained the logic of pairing technically gifted players in different zones: James Rodríguez can start from a wide area, while Jhon Arias provides depth and the ability to deliver crosses from the byline.

The coach was largely satisfied with the performance — the first half was controlled, and the dangerous shot from 35 metres was an isolated moment rather than evidence of sustained pressure. The main area Lorenzo flagged for improvement is the final action in build-up: after breaking lines the team sometimes recycles possession instead of pressing forward.

The remaining preparation days will emphasise pressing after losing the ball, mid-block and low-block defending, and attacking combinations from midfield. James Rodríguez picked up a knock on his leg after a couple of falls on a firm pitch but is reported to be fine.

Colombia held their pre-match press conference on the eve of their World Cup debut against Uzbekistan, with players striking a deliberately composed tone throughout. Patience emerged as the central tactical theme: Uzbekistan defends in a five-man block and relies on quick transitions, making rushed decision-making in the final third the main risk to avoid.

Carlos Góz, making his first World Cup appearance, admitted the experience still feels surreal, but a conversation with head coach Néstor the previous evening helped him reset — the message was to play without fear, the same way he performed in Brazil. Luis Díaz reported feeling physically excellent and framed his role simply: score if the chance comes, but the team result comes first.

Santiago Arias, attending his third World Cup, has taken on a mentoring role for the younger squad members, reminding them that the tournament has already shown no opponent can be dismissed. An estimated 60,000-plus Colombian supporters are expected to fill the stadium, a crowd the players described as making them feel at home — and adding pressure in equal measure.

The squad publicly focuses on one match at a time, yet the final remains the stated collective dream: to reach it, every game must be won.

Uzbekistan head coach Fabio Cannavaro called the 3-1 defeat to Colombia a harsh scoreline given the team's second-half display. The first half was marked by excessive nervousness and passivity — players sat deep, lost their shape, and played purely on the defensive.

Tactical adjustments at half-time, including changes on the left flank, transformed the team: Uzbekistan began to circulate the ball, control phases of play, and generate chances. Both early goals stemmed from clear individual errors — failing to track a runner and playing a throw-in through the middle instead of forward, a specific instruction Cannavaro says he had given beforehand.

He defended the 5-4-1 system as one he inherited and believes in, arguing it offers structural advantages against 4-4-2 and 4-3-3 formations when executed correctly. The Estadio Azteca experience — 80,000 fans, almost entirely behind Colombia — was a first for most of his players; Cannavaro drew a parallel to Euro and World Cup semi-finals he played in hostile stadiums, framing it as motivation rather than pressure.

With Portugal drawing against DR Congo, Uzbekistan must win their next group game, and Cannavaro demanded his side start with more personality and courage on the ball from the opening minute.