Luis Diaz: Colombia stuns Brazil with two goals from the Liverpool winger in front of his freed father.

The father of Colombian winger Luis Diaz, who plays for Liverpool and was released last week, Luis Manuel Diaz, sobbed as his son scored both goals in a World Cup qualifying match to help his country defeat Brazil 2-1. Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay surprised Argentina 2-0.

In a World Cup qualifying match, Luis Diaz scored twice as Colombia defeated Brazil 2-1. His father was in the stands, having been freed from kidnapping a few days earlier.

Late in the second half, the Liverpool winger scored twice in four minutes to give Colombia their first victory over Brazil in eight years.

“I thank God,” Diaz remarked following the game. It’s all made possible by him.

We have always experienced difficult times, but life gives you courage and strength. Along with life, so is soccer. We were worthy of this win.”

As his son won the game for his nation, Luis Manuel Diaz, who had been detained by the ELN guerrilla group for 12 days prior to his release last week, broke down in tears.

Brazil had taken the lead after just four minutes thanks to a goal from Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, but now they are in fifth place in South American qualifying, behind Colombia in third.

Alisson, the goalkeeper for Brazil and a teammate of Diaz at Liverpool, described the Colombian match-winner as a friend. These days he suffered a great deal.

Nunez helps Uruguay overcome Argentina.
Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez goals gave Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay victory over Argentina 2-0 on an exciting night of surprises in South American qualifying.

Lionel Messi missed the crossbar in the second half and was unable to establish himself, ending Argentina’s perfect record since winning the World Cup in December.