Argentina and Brazil slip up
National player Luis Díaz has surprisingly led Colombia to victory against Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers. Two days after meeting his father for the first time since his abduction, the 26-year-old scored twice in a 2:1 victory over the record world champions.
In the top match on Tuesday, two teams with defeats in their luggage will therefore meet: World champions Argentina, led by world footballer Lionel Messi, lost for the first time in this World Cup qualifier, going down 2-0 to Uruguay.
Colombia were already behind after four minutes against the Brazilian team of interim coach Fernando Diniz. Gabriel Martinelli scored to make it 1-0 for the visitors, who were without Neymar. The superstar suffered a torn cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in the last match against Uruguay and will miss months of action.
Argentina top the table despite defeat
However, Colombia turned up the heat in the second half and were rewarded. Luis Díaz headed in twice within four minutes (75th/79th minute) to lead his team to victory. The stadium in the Colombian city of Barranquilla shook, television cameras showed the father crying and cheering with joy. It was the Seleção's third game in a row without a win, following the recent 2-0 defeat against Uruguay and the 1-1 draw against Venezuela.
However, not only the record world champions, but also the world champions led by superstar Messi failed to score. The goals for Uruguay were scored by Ronald Araújo in the 40th minute and Darwin Núñez (86th). It was not only the first defeat for the Albiceleste's previously unblemished record, but also the first goals conceded in this World Cup qualifier.
Despite the defeat, Argentina remain top of the table, now followed by Uruguay. Colombia jumped to third place with the win. Brazil slipped to fifth place behind Venezuela ahead of the showdown with Argentina.
Argentina's World Cup qualification campaign took a hit with their 2-0 loss to Uruguay, but Lionel Messi's team still leads the group. Meanwhile, Neymar, who was injured in Brazil's previous match, missed out on the opportunity to help his team secure World Cup qualification points in their game against Colombia.
Source: www.dpa.com
