Luis Diaz’s dad almost collapses as Liverpool star scores winner against Brazil
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Luis Diaz’s father did not hold back when celebrating his son’s goals as Colombia defeated Brazil 2-1 on Thursday. Just days after Luis Manuel Diaz was released by kidnappers to end their family’s pain, his son bagged a brace as their country came from behind to defeat Brazil to emotional scenes at the Estadio Metropolitano.
Visitors Brazil had taken the lead through Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli in the fourth minute but a four-minute double salvo from Liverpool star Diaz sealed a crucial win for Colombia.
To equalise he met a looping cross to finish past Reds team-mate Alisson to pandemonium in the stands, including his father who wept alongside his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, before coming close to passing out and had to be held up by fellow supporters as he could not contain his joy.
Diaz’s father was wearing a Colombian top and a necklace, having shaken hands with fans as he entered the stadium in Barranquilla before his son gave the team their first win over Brazil in World Cup qualifying in 15 attempts.
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Another header from Diaz gave Colombia the lead moments later, which they held on to secure the win in front of Diaz’s father just days after the 58-year-old was held captive for 12 days by the ELN guerrilla group, before being reunited with his son on Tuesday.
“I thank God. He makes it all possible. We have always lived tough moments, but life makes you strong and brave. So is soccer and so is life,” Diaz said after the match. “We deserved this victory.”
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Alisson was on the opposite side of the result but had a message for his Liverpool team-mate. “He is a friend, he suffered a lot these days,” the goalkeeper said. “This is beyond football, he deserves it.”
Armed men on motorcycles kidnapped Diaz’s parents from a petrol station in the town of Barrancas last month His mother was rescued within hours by police, but his father continued to be held captive before being released.
Diaz’s dad explained that he had “almost 12 days without sleep” and had to endure “a lot of quite difficult horseback riding, lots of mountains, rain” while being held after his abduction.
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