Bottom Line Up Front
Today’s verdict: Thursday runs on football and standoffs — Colombia routed Uzbekistan at a police-ringed Azteca, Bolivia’s first talks in 48 days broke up with no deal and the roads still blocked, and Mexico chase a knockout place tonight in Guadalajara, safely away from the capital’s protests.
Colombia open with a statement. The Cafeteros beat Uzbekistan 3-1 at the Estadio Ciudad de México — Muñoz, Díaz and Campaz scoring — to top their group. The match went ahead despite teachers ringing the stadium with marches and some 11,800 police.
Bolivia’s talks collapse. President Paz and the COB met for the first time in 48 days and broke into recess with no deal. They formed a commission on detainees, the union’s precondition, but the roads stay blocked until prisoners are freed.
Mexico’s second act. El Tri face South Korea tonight at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, both sides on three points. The winner books a knockout place — and it plays out far from the capital’s unrest.
