Soccer-Mexico City turns yellow as Colombian fans make Azteca feel like home

MEXICO CITY, June 17 (Reuters) - Hours before Colombia 's World Cup opener, Mexico City was already awash in yellow as thousands of visiting fans transformed the ‌capital into a temporary slice of South America.

Colombian supporters draped in national team colours ‌packed restaurants and streets across the city, feasting on Bandeja Paisa, sausages, eggs and beans with classic empanadas while singing ​and preparing for what would become a memorable 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Group K at the Estadio Azteca.

At Comedor de los Milagros, a Latin American food hall in Roma whose name means "Dining Room of Miracles", the atmosphere reached fever pitch when Colombian singer Carlos Vives appeared, drawing loud applause ‌from fans who saw his presence ⁠as a good omen.

The venue, which brands itself as a "House of Latinos" with bright colours, murals and Catholic-inspired imagery, felt more like a Colombian supporters' ⁠club on match day.

"Mexico is more of a football country, but we are going to the United States too," said Pablo Calderon, who travelled from Medellin with his brother. "We wanted to follow Colombia through the ​group ​stage, but everything is too expensive. Our ticket alone ​cost around $1,000."

The cultural connection ran deeper than ‌just football economics. "There is common ground between Mexicans and Colombians," said his brother Ricardo Calderon. "We like football, music, food and noise. That is why we feel good here."

Inside the Azteca, Colombia's yellow-shirted army dominated the stands, creating an atmosphere that felt almost like a home venue.

Daniel Munoz opened the scoring in the 40th minute from a Luis Diaz pass. Uzbekistan briefly levelled through Abbosbek ‌Fayzullaev 's first World Cup goal before Diaz and Jaminton ​Campaz sealed the victory.