Fans across the United States were treated to another thrilling night of World Cup action, but those in the United Kingdom who chose an early night missed several memorable moments — including Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz’s celebratory dance and a Colombian star fulfilling his boyhood dream.

Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz was among the standout performers as Colombia claimed a 3-1 victory over tournament newcomers Uzbekistan. Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz, who both scored and provided an assist, expressed his joy after the match.

“What could be more beautiful than contributing with a goal and an assist?” Diaz told reporters after the game. “We’re a very close-knit group, we’ll keep improving game by game, and I’m just very, very happy.”

Second-half goals from Diaz and Jaminton Campaz ensured Colombia started their World Cup campaign on a winning note. The South Americans took the lead when Diaz’s precise cross found Munoz, who made a well-timed run to steer the ball past Uzbekistan goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov.

Uzbekistan responded strongly after the interval and drew level around the hour mark. Camilo Vargas initially saved Eldor Shomurodov’s volley, but the rebound looped high into the air, allowing Abbosbek Fayzullaev to head home from close range.

Colombia quickly regained the advantage just five minutes later when Yusupov failed to stop Diaz’s shot during a swift counterattack launched from midfield. Substitute Campaz sealed the result deep into stoppage time by heading in Cucho Hernandez’s cross, though Uzbekistan’s teenage forward Bekhruz Karimov came close to reducing the deficit with a fierce shot that struck the crossbar.

Ghana 1-0 Panama

In the other late-night fixture, Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. Caleb Yirenkyi netted an injury-time winner for the Black Stars, who now sit alongside England at the top of Group L with three points.

“First we had to suffer, we battled like warriors,” Queiroz told ITV Sport after the match. “We won the game with the brains. We knew that they would control the game but step-by-step this was our strategy — to let them come and then take control until we scored, because this is the way to win. Win all the time.”