- Colombia have won their last two matches, defeating Costa Rica and Jordan 3-1 and 2-0 respectively.
- Uzbekistan have lost their last two, going down 2-1 to the Netherlands and 2-0 to Canada, both times away from home.
- Colombia have avoided defeat in their last three away games, winning two and drawing one.
Colombia are worthy favourites for World Cup opener
Colombia have been installed as odds-on favourites to win Thursday's FIFA World Cup Group K opener against a battling Uzbekistan side, which makes the draw a far more attractive proposition for this clash at Mexico City Stadium.
The draw is also available at 18/5, while the goal markets, particularly the 'Under 2.5 goals' option at 22/25, is worth considering for this matchup which is expected to be tight. This is Uzbekistan's first appearance in a World Cup tournament and the first senior competitive meeting between the two countries, so there is plenty to make this an interesting tactical battle.
The Colombians have been in superb form of late, winning seven, drawing one and losing two of their last ten matches in all competitions. Their attack is full of pace and creativity, which makes them clear favorites at 11/25, while Uzbekistan, who have won six, drawn one and lost three in their last 10, are outsiders at 15/2.
Low-block tactics key for Uzbekistan
Jaloliddin Masharipov provides Uzbekistan with a constant source of width and directness from the wing, and he will be an important spark for a team that likes to counter-attack when the opponent is stretched.
Abdukodir Khusanov is a key man for Uzbekistan as he marshals the back three of their disciplined 3-4-3 system, which will be set up to be deep and compact in order to prevent Colombia from playing their passing game.
Fabio Cannavaro's side proved their grit when they held Venezuela to a 0-0 draw in the match before taking penalties to claim a spot in the finals, and if they can keep it tight here then they could grab a result.
Colombia can create chances against Uzbekistan
But Colombia are the better team and have the better recent form. Néstor Lorenzo's team like to play possession football and their 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to overload the wings with either wingers or midfielders, while they can press in bursts of high tempo.
James Rodríguez will orchestrate Colombia's attacks and will be able to pick out his teammates with pinpoint passes, but his team are going to have to be patient to unlock a low-block Uzbekistan line-up, even if they do have the pace to stretch the Uzbekistan defence.
Colombia will create chances, but the altitude in Mexico City could take a toll on both sides' fitness levels, so it may be best to side with Colombia here. Jhon Arias has scored three of Colombia's ten goals in their last five games and is their most in-form attacker, so he looks a good bet to find the net on Thursday.
Eldor Shomurodov will be Uzbekistan's main outlet in the final third and will be well placed to lead their counters if they can catch Colombia on a transition, as he is the striker who is the focal point of their game plan.
