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.
Even Colombian restaurants were riding the wave. "The most Colombian house in Mexico," declared Andrea, manager of SalchiParce, a social media favourite.
"Yesterday and today we have seen a lot of Colombians here, although not only Colombians, Mexicans too. We are interested in making them feel at home, with a big enough plate of food and some authentic Colombian beer."
By the final whistle, Mexico City belonged to Colombia, at least for one night.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
