November 16, (THEWILL) – Colombia pulled off a shock 2-1 comeback victory over Brazil in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Thursday night. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli had given Brazil an early lead in Barranquilla, but two late headers from Liverpool’s Luis Diaz turned the game on its head.
Brazil controlled the early exchanges and Martinelli clinically fired them ahead in the fourth minute after being teed up by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. However, Vinicius was then forced off with a suspected thigh injury, which disrupted Brazil’s rhythm.
Colombia began to take control of the game in the second half, but Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker produced a string of fine saves to keep his side ahead. With time running out, Diaz rose highest to head in a Cristian Borja cross to draw Colombia level in the 75th minute. Just four minutes later, Diaz was on target again, this time nodding in from a James Rodriguez assist.
Despite intense late pressure, Brazil could not find an equaliser as Colombia held on for a famous victory. Diaz’s emotional father was among the jubilant home fans, having been recently reunited with his family after a kidnapping ordeal.
