Luís Díaz scores twice in front of his father as Colombia beat Brazil in World Cup qualifying

Luís Díaz scored two goals in four minutes to help Colombia overcome Brazil, 2-1, in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

It was an emotional brace for Díaz, not only because he helped his country qualify, but the Liverpool player did it with his father in attendance, days after the two reunited after the kidnapping of Luís Manuel Díaz.

Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring for Brazil in the fourth minute, and it wasn’t until the 75th minute that Díaz tied the game.

Four minutes later, it was Díaz again using his head as the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez crowd erupted and Díaz Sr. was overcome. with feeling

Díaz’s parents were kidnapped in late October

Díaz Sr. and his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, were kidnapped by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) at a gas station near the family’s hometown of Barrancas on October 28. Marulanda was rescued later that day after police set up roadblocks, but Díaz Sr. remained. missing, which led to an investigation by special forces and a $48,000 reward for information leading to his recovery.

Díaz did not play for Liverpool in the wins over Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, but returned to the field for their 1–1 draw with Luton Town on 5 November. During the celebration, Díaz pulled up his sweater, revealing a shirt that read, “Libertad para papa,” which translates to “Freedom for dad” in English.

Diaz Sr. went to be released on November 9. According to The Associated Press, the ELN took credit for the abduction, but said it was a mistake and the group’s top leadership ordered his release.

The four accused appeared in a hearing on Thursday in the city of Riohacha in Colombia. A judge will decide Monday whether they will remain in jail or be released on unconditional bail.

With the international break underway, Díaz flew to Colombia for two World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay. When he arrived in Barranquilla, his parents were waiting for him – which marked the first time Díaz was able to see his parents since they were kidnapped in October.

The win puts Colombia in third place in the CONMEBOL standings with nine points through five games. Brazil dropped to fifth place with seven points and are without a win in their last three.

The two countries will play their second qualifying match of the international window on Tuesday as Colombia take on Paraguay, while Brazil face Lionel Messi and Argentina in Rio de Janeiro.