Heartwarming Scenes Unfold as Luis Díaz’s Dramatic Brace Earned Colombia a 2-1 Win Against Brazil

Liverpool and Colombia sensation Luis Díaz experienced hell in his past few weeks as Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas kidnapped his father and kept him hostage for nearly two weeks before freeing him. During that period, Luis Díaz pleaded for his father’s release but to no avail, and he could take to the pitch to make his cries heard. After scoring a dramatic equaliser against Luton, the Colombian raised his shirt to show his message to the world. Eventually, the ELN guerrillas released his father last week, and the family celebrated their reunion. Today, Luis Díaz scored the winning goal as his father watched from the stands. Fate is beautiful sometimes.

Luis Díaz Celebrates in Tears and Dedicates Win to His Emotional Father

The match did not start well for Luis Díaz and Colombia, as Brazil were hungry for redemption after their defeat against Uruguay, and they took an early lead through Gabriel Martinelli in the third minute. Afterwards, the Metropolitan Stadium of Barranquilla came roaring into life as the inspired Luis Díaz led his team on the front foot. To put into perspective, the Colombian alone created ten attempts on target for Colombia throughout the match and could have an immediate equaliser if not for club teammate Alisson.

Eventually, Luis Díaz found the breakthrough in the last quarter of the match (75th minute) as he nodded a simple header from six yards out past Alisson and back into the net. However, the winger had more to say as he scored four minutes later when he notched his second header of the game into the goal after being picked out by James Rodríguez at the far post. The winger led the celebrations as he leapt over the hoardings and vanished into the sea of crowds with his father weeping happily on the stands.

In his post-match press conference, Luis Díaz brought up the emotional hardships he felt when the ELN kidnapped his father and credited his Colombian compatriots for the performance. “Life makes you strong and brave, and I think that’s football, not just football but life. I’m grateful to my teammates and the coaching staff, who were always there for me at every moment. And I dedicate the victory to the people who deserved it.”

Also Read: Mikel Arteta Claims Full Responsibility in Gunners Crushing 3-1 Defeat Against West Ham

Colombia Condemn Brazil to 5th with Argentina Waiting In Their Next Fixture

While it was all joy and celebrations for Luis Díaz and Colombia, Brazil suffered their second defeat in succession. Moreover, the Seleção are winless in their last three games, dropping them to fifth place in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers CONMEBOL standings on Thursday. In addition, Vinicius Junior suffered an injury in the 27th minute against Colombia. Therefore, they will have to make do without him, Neymar and Casemiro for their upcoming match against leaders Argentina.

However, there is a silver lining for Brazil, as Argentina suffered a loss today against Uruguay on home soil. It was the first game Argentina had lost since their opening fixture against Saudi Arabia in the 2024 FIFA World Cup and their first loss in 25 matches in FIFA World Cup Qualifying, their longest run in the nation’s history. 

Moreover, it is the first time since 2015 and the second time ever that Brazil and Argentina have lost FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches on the same day. Fortunately for them, FIFA has allocated six direct places for South America and a playoff game against another continent for whoever placed seven to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Therefore, there is no reason to panic as the two South American giants have ample time to solve their issues. As the saying goes, it’s not about how long you peak, it’s about peaking at the right time.

Where to Catch the Latest News and the Highlights of the International Matches?

With the onslaught of action the Euro 2024 Qualifiers and the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers are bringing, it is normal for you to lose track of all the news from your favourite club players. Thus, head to OtherLeague for daily footballing news. If you are a fan of Tennis and Basketball, the platform also has you covered.

If you would like to catch the highlights of your beloved international team, check out AsiaSport for a high-definition showcase of the players in action. Want to relieve Lamine Yamal’s second international goal from Spain? Here is a clip from the website.