Colombia inflicted a rather surprising defeat on Brazil in the South American qualifying series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Colombians won 2-1 in Barranquila and owed the victory to Luiz DÃaz. The Liverpool player headed twice in the second half.
DÃaz burst into tears after the match. He dedicated the victory to his father, who was in the stands. Both of DÃaz’s parents were kidnapped on October 28 in northeastern Colombia by a unit of the ELN guerrilla movement. His mother managed to escape quickly, but father Luis Manuel DÃaz was only released after twelve days.
Brazil dominated in the first half and took an early lead through a goal from Gabriel Martinelli. Colombia gradually took control and DÃaz in particular asserted himself. He alone had ten attempts on goal. Goalkeeper Alisson, his teammate at Liverpool, made time and again saves, but failed in the 75th and 79th minutes.
Colombia climbed to third place in the group due to the victory, while Brazil fell to fifth place.