Nestor Lorenzo challenges Colombia after 'pressure-filled' FIFA World Cup victory

A passionate Colombian crowd in Mexico City created a special atmosphere as Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz and Jaminton Campaz scored to secure three points and send Colombia top of Group K after Portugal and DR Congo played out a 1-1 draw.

Despite the positive result, Lorenzo felt the emotion surrounding the opening match had an impact on his team's performance.

"It is a beautiful energy, but emotionally it weighed on some of the players," Lorenzo said. "I think it had to do with the emotional burden of the first game and also with the responsibility of being favourites."

Colombia controlled much of the first half and created several chances, but Lorenzo felt his side should have taken a stronger advantage into the break. Uzbekistan responded after half-time by adopting a more direct approach, forcing Colombia into a tougher physical battle.

"We had a very good first half," Lorenzo explained. "Then they started playing a more direct game and forced us deeper. It became a very physical match."

The coach also admitted Colombia's attacking play became too cautious at times, with his players focusing more on keeping possession than finishing moves.

"Sometimes there was too much possession and too much fear of losing the ball," he said. "Nobody was finishing the moves."

Lorenzo also defended captain James Rodriguez after the midfielder struggled to influence the match against a compact Uzbekistan defence.

"It wasn't his best match, but he didn't have a bad game," Lorenzo said. "They closed the spaces where James usually operates. He wasn't the protagonist, but in possession he gave us a lot."

Colombia will now turn their attention to their next Group K match against DR Congo in Guadalajara, where Lorenzo's side will look to build on their opening victory and move closer to securing a place in the knockout stages.

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