Liverpool winger has been reunited with his father after he was kidnapped by the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group earlier this week and held hostage for 12 days. His mother was also detained by the gang but was freed from the ordeal earlier when the police swooped in to rescue the couple. Diaz’s parents were kidnapped for ransom.
Diaz equalized for Liverpool team-mate Alisson Becker after receiving a pass from Christian Borja. Colombia took the lead four minutes later when Diaz impressively blocked a superb cross from former Everton midfielder James Rodriguez with a header. Diaz missed two of Liverpool’s games as his father remained with ELN, but came off the bench to score a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw with Luton Town. He was holding a T-shirt that read, “Freedom for Dads.” His father was pictured celebrating in the stands against Brazil while Diaz played heroically in front of the fans Colombia played Brazil for the first time since winning 1-0 in the Copa America in July 2015. Brazil have won four of their last seven games and drawn the other three.
Aftert the match, Diaz said : “Life makes you strong and brave. I think it’s not just football, it’s life.”Thank you to my teammates and coaching staff who have always been by my side. And I dedicate my victory to those who deserve it.
