- In Summary
- Forward bagged a brace to help Colombia down Brazil
- Father in stands less a week after kidnapping release
- Diaz’s parents were abducted in late October
Luis Diaz’s father was in tears on Thursday after he watched his son score both goals for Colombia in a 2-1 win over Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match.
Wearing a Colombia top and a silver rosary, Luis Manuel Diaz fell on top of fellow fans in the stands of the Estadio Metropolitano, in Barranquilla, Columbia wept next to his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, as he celebrated.
READ Also: Luis Díaz’s Father Speaks For The first Time Since Kidnap
The Magical Goals
Luis Diaz scored twice as Colombia stunned Brazil 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, days after his father was released by kidnappers.
The Liverpool striker netted twice in four minutes late in the second half, watched by his father Luiz Manuel Diaz who was held for 12 days before his release last week.
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It has been an emotional week for the Diaz family, with the elder Luis recounting his ordeal after being taken by kidnappers.
Mr Diaz Jimenez had been held hostage for 12 days in a mountainous area of Colombia by members of the National Liberation Army, or ELN.
Diaz Reunites with Father
Father and son were reunited before the game and the Liverpool star marked the occasion in memorable fashion with his late double, with his dad seen emotionally celebrating in a Colombia jersey in the crowd.
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Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli had put Brazil in front after just four minutes.
Colombia’s first win over Brazil for eight years lifts them into third in the South American qualifying table with Brazil, who suffered a second successive defeat in the competition, down to fifth.
What Next For Diaz
Diaz is set to play for Colombia next Tuesday, when they face off against Paraguay as they continue their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Then, he’s set to return to Liverpool as the Reds look to improve their table standings in the English Premier League.
