Luis Diaz's late Brace again Brazil secures a smile for recently rescued father

Colombia, 

Thursday, 16 November, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

Liverpool's Luis Diaz scored a brace to fire Colombia to a 2-1 comeback against Brazil at a World cup qualifying match played at Barranquilla's Estadio Metropolitano, in Colombia in Thursday night. 

Brazil had dominated almost three quarters of the match as Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli put selecao ahead in the fourth minute of first half with a strike served by Vinicius Junior. 

Diaz headed home in the 75th and 79th minutes as Colombia claimed a vital win in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

It was a nightmare for Brazil as they were hit by an injury to Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr, who exited with a thigh injury after 27 minutes.

It was an emotional scene for Diaz's his recently rescued father Luis Manuel Diaz, who shed tears as he watched in the stands while his son secured his team to a fairytale victory. 

Diaz had only been reunited with his father on Tuesday after his parent was freed last week after being held by Colombia's ELN guerrilla group for 12 days.

Diaz's father and his wife Cilenis Marulanda had been abducted by armed men on motorcycles on October 28.

Marulanda was rescued several hours after the abduction as a massive search operation by ground and air was launched for her husband.

Diaz's father was eventually released by the rebels last week after being handed over to humanitarian workers.

The victory sends Colombia to the third place in the standings with 9 points as Struggling Brazil lay at the 5th position with 7 points.

Colombia will face Paraguay on Wednesday night as Brazil take on Argentina at Rio De Jenairo