Luís Díaz scores twice in front of father as Colombia tops Brazil in World Cup qualifying

Luís Díaz scored two targets in a span of 4 minutes to assist Colombia high Brazil, 2-1, in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying Thursday.

It was an emotional brace for Díaz, not solely as a result of it helped his nation hold tempo in qualifying, however the Liverpool winger did it along with his father in attendance, days after the 2 had been reunited following Luís Manuel Díaz’s kidnapping.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Brazil within the fourth minute, and it wasn’t till the seventy fifth minute that Díaz tied the match.

4 minutes later, it was Díaz once more utilizing his head because the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez erupted and Díaz Sr. was overcome by emotion.

Díaz’s dad and mom kidnapped in late October

Díaz Sr. and his spouse, Cilenis Marulanda, had been kidnapped by members of the Nationwide Liberation Military (ELN) at a fuel station close to the household’s hometown of Barrancas on Oct. 28. Marulanda was rescued later that day after police arrange roadblocks, however Díaz Sr. remained lacking, which led to a search by particular forces and a $48,000 reward for data resulting in his restoration.

Díaz didn’t play for Liverpool throughout wins over Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, however returned to the pitch for his or her 1-1 draw with Luton City on Nov. 5. It was his purpose within the ninety fifth minute that rescued some extent for the Reds. Throughout the celebrations, Díaz pulled up his jersey, revealing a shirt that learn, “Libertad para papa,” which interprets to “Freedom for dad” in English.

Díaz Sr. was launched Nov. 9. Based on the The Related Press, the ELN took credit score for the kidnapping, however stated it had been a mistake and the group’s high management ordered his launch.

The 4 alleged kidnappers appeared at a listening to Thursday within the Colombian metropolis of Riohacha. A choose will decide on Monday whether or not they are going to stay in jail or be launched on conditional bail.

With the worldwide break underway, Díaz flew to Colombia for 2 World Cup qualifiers towards Brazil and Paraguay. When he arrived in Barranquilla, his dad and mom had been ready for him — which marked the primary time Díaz was in a position to see his dad and mom since they had been kidnapped in October.

The victory places Colombia into third place within the CONMEBOL standings with 9 factors by 5 matches. Brazil drops to fifth with seven factors and are winless of their final three.

Each nations will play their second qualifying recreation of the worldwide window Tuesday as Colombia heads to Paraguay, whereas Brazil faces Lionel Messi and Argentina on the Estadio do Maracanã.