World Cup qualification
World champion Argentina led by Lionel Messi has lost for the first time since the 1:2 at the start of the World Cup against Saudi Arabia. On Thursday (local time) the “Albiceleste” lost 0-2 to Uruguay at home. Brazil also made a mistake and suffered a defeat. The man of the evening was Luis Diaz, who led Colombia to a 2-1 home win over the record world champions. Two days ago, Diaz saw his father for the first time after his kidnapping.
17.11.2023 10.41
Online since today, 10:41 a.m
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 qualifying game against Uruguay and will be out for months.
But after the break, Colombia turned up the heat and rewarded themselves. Diaz scored with a header in the 75th and 79th minutes and led his team to a frenetically celebrated victory in Barranquilla. Television cameras showed the father crying and cheering for joy.
Reuters/Luisa Gonzalez Colombia’s captain James Rodriguez (l.) celebrates with double goalscorer Luis Diaz
“We have always experienced difficult moments, but life makes you strong and brave. That’s football and that’s life,” said the match winner after the final whistle. For 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.
Surprising setback for Argentina
The Argentines first have to digest the surprising setback against Uruguay. Ronald Araujo (40th) and Darwin Nunez (86th) scored the goals for the guests in the Boca Juniors stadium. The hitherto flawless selection 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 the neighboring country coached by his compatriot Marcelo Bielsa. The fast and physical game did not suit his team, said Messi. Despite the defeat, Argentina remains at the top of the table with twelve points from five games, followed by Uruguay with ten points. Colombia (nine) improved to third place. Brazil (eight) slipped to fifth place behind Venezuela (eight).
