Colombia coach Lorenzo warns against underestimating Uzbekistan

MEXICO CITY, June 16 : Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo warned his side against complacency on Tuesday, declaring that the World Cup's opening week had shown there were no easy opponents ahead of their clash against Uzbekistan. 

The South Americans return to the world's biggest football stage after missing the 2022 tournament and enter the match as favourites, but Lorenzo cautioned against underestimating an Uzbekistan side making their World Cup debut.

"The World Cup is showing us that there are no small teams and nobody should be underestimated," Lorenzo told reporters ahead of Wednesday's match at the Azteca stadium.

"Uzbekistan have had very good results against good teams, they have a great coach and four or five players of real quality. Above all they are an organised team that knows exactly how it wants to play."

Colombia forward Luis Suarez echoed that warning.

"This first matchday shows there are no favourites anywhere," he told reporters. "We are at a World Cup and we have a huge responsibility to compete against any opponent."

Winger Carlos Gomez added Colombia were wary of Uzbekistan's speed on the break.

"They play very well. They are a fast team, they play in transition, so we have to be very careful with that."

'JAMES GIVES CLARITY TO THE GAME'

Colombia arrive in Mexico with momentum after an impressive qualifying campaign and a squad led by Bayern Munich forward Luis Diaz and veteran playmaker James Rodriguez.

Lorenzo said Rodriguez, the Colombia captain who has battled fitness concerns in recent seasons, was in good condition ahead of the match.

"James is doing well. He has been improving physically," Lorenzo said.

"His talent and his qualities mean that, even if he doesn't run as much as others, he gives clarity to