Several hundred Colombian fans overflowed with enthusiasm in overwhelming joy with the categorical 3-1 victory of the coffee team, the sole leader of Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after defeating the debuting Uzbekistan team.

“Colombia dominated the match,” highlighted Chris Gutiérrez, a Colombian born in Pereira and resident of Santa Clarita, California. “The important thing was that, when they tied us, we were able to come back quickly and take home the three points.”

“Colombia gave its heart,” added her Salvadoran friend, Dora Bermúdez. "I liked the pride of 'Luchito' (Luis Díaz). The Bayern Munich attacker from Germany became the hero of the victory, scoring the second goal in the 65th minute and providing an assist.

For Colombia, which is facing its seventh World Cup, after being left out of Qatar 2022, it was a priority to start the tournament well, under the leadership of the cerebral midfielder James Rodríguez.

“The connection of James Rodríguez's midfield with Lucho Díaz (Bayern Munich/Germany) and Richard Ríos (Palmeiras/Brazil) is the best thing we have,” said Frank Rodríguez, manager of La Casita con Sabor Colombiano, located at 837 South Union St, in the Pico-Union area.

“Is the migra here?”

Before entering the parking area, where the atmosphere was lit with the music of Juanes and his song “Camisa Negra” and typical cumbias such as “Cali Pachanguero” by the famous Grupo Niche, a Colombian man was surprised to see uniformed agents searching the fans.

Hey! Is the migra here? he asked. “And I didn't bring my passport.”

He didn't wait for someone to explain that they were four private security agents who were hired to maintain order. He left the place and did not return.

“It was no surprise”

The verticalization and depth in the attacking rhythm gave Colombia a 1-0 advantage, through defender Daniel Muñoz, in the 40th minute.

“Mobility was needed to break Uzbekistan's defense,” said Juan Quintero, a fan born in Medellín, Colombia.

"Daniel Muñoz's goal was not a surprise, because the team uses it so that he joins the attack in a surprising way. That's what he did, and it was good, because in the first half Colombia lacked more of a touch from James Rodríguez and a clear exit to the front."

Katrina Wright, an American married to Colombian David Hoyos, stated that, nine years ago they met, she fell in love with the culture of the South American country.

“I love the passion that Colombians have for soccer,” he said.

“The game was great, phenomenal,” summarized Hoyos, owner of a printing press in Santa Clarita. “The Uzbeks scored the goal against us when Colombia was performing more or less, but the third goal [by Jáminton Campaz] was very cool…Very good result and ready for the next game.”

World Cup adventure

A tray paisa, roast beef, churrasco, bean soup, patacón and ripe plantain was the meal for the family of Samuel and Lina Durán, and their sons Tomás (15 years old) and Santiago (8). They are on vacation in Los Angeles, coming from Neiva, capital of the department of Huila, located in the southwest of Colombia, on the Magdalena River valley.

The children, soccer “experts” who know every virtue and weakness of the Colombian National Team, agreed in predicting that the team would reach the quarterfinal round.

The family would travel to see San Diego, Las Vegas and conclude their World Cup adventure in Miami, where they will witness the Colombia-Portugal match, corresponding to the third and final date of the group stage. The match will be played at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Ramírez family trip cost $20,000.

“It was worth it, because the experience will last the entire life of my children,” said Samuel Ramírez, an engineer by trade.

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