After his father was kidnapped: Liverpool star duped Brazil

Argentina fails in World Cup qualification for the first time. Brazil is also disappointing and is in a crisis after its third game in a row without success. The man of the evening is Colombia’s Luis Díaz.

Luis Díaz led Colombia to a surprising victory against Brazil in World Cup qualifying. Two days after he met his father again for the first time after his kidnapping, the 26-year-old scored the goals in a 2-1 (0-1) win over the record world champions. World champion Argentina led by world footballer Lionel Messi lost on Thursday for the first time since the sensational 1:2 at the start of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia and lost to Uruguay 0:2 (0:1) at home.

Colombian Díaz with a brace

Colombia was behind after just four minutes against interim coach Fernando Diniz’s Brazilian team. Gabriel Martinelli scored for the guests, who had to play without Neymar. The superstar suffered a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in the previous game against Uruguay and will be out for months.

Brazil played without the injured Neymar

In the second half, Colombia turned up the heat and was rewarded. Within four minutes, Luis Díaz scored twice with his head (75th/79th minute) and led his team to a frenetically celebrated victory in Barranquilla. Television cameras showed the father crying and cheering for joy. “I thank god. He makes it all possible. We have always experienced difficult moments, but life makes you strong and brave. That’s football and that’s life,” said match winner Díaz after the final whistle.

For record world champions Brazil, it was the third game in a row without a win after the 2-0 defeat against Uruguay and the 1-1 draw against Venezuela. On Wednesday (1:30 a.m. CET) there will be a duel with Argentina in Rio de Janeiro.

Uruguay beats Messi and Argentina

The Argentines first have to digest the unexpected setback against Uruguay. The goals for the guests in Buenos Aires were scored by Ronald Araújo (40th) and Darwin Núñez (86th). The hitherto flawless selection Albiceleste not only suffered their first defeat, but also their first goals conceded in this World Cup qualification. “We never felt comfortable in this game,” said Messi, praising the team from neighboring Uruguay coached by his compatriot Marcelo Bielsa. Messi explained that his team was not comfortable with the fast and physical game.

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Despite the defeat, Argentina remains at the top of the table with twelve points from five games, followed by Uruguay with ten points. Colombia (9) improved to third place. Brazil (8) slipped to fifth place behind Venezuela (8). (ms/dpa)