Colombia beats Brazil for the 1st time in the Qualifiers

Colombia’s victory over Brazil in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers can be considered historic.

Not only for breaking an eternal taboo but for everything that surrounded this great match.

Join us as we explore how the Colombians achieved this remarkable feat.

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Diniz’s Mistakes and Colombia’s Superiority

Anyone who watched the first five minutes of the game, turned off the TV, and went to sleep, couldn’t make sense of the 2-1 result for Colombia.

Brazil started the game in the best Fernando Diniz style, with incredibly high intensity, causing the Canaries to suffocate their opponent.

With an attacking quartet featuring Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Martinelli, the Real Madrid duo roamed the middle, while the wingers provided depth to the team.

In just five minutes, Brazil had already opened the scoring and created two more good chances.

Martinelli scored Brazil’s goal, his first for the national team.

In a quick exchange of passes between him and Vinicius Jr, Martinelli was left facing the goal, finishing with speed. Brazil’s luck started to turn shortly after.

Image: Mauricio Castañeda/EFE

Driven by their fans, Colombia didn’t let the unfavorable score dampen their spirits and went on the attack.

Vinicius Jr got injured, and João Pedro was chosen to replace him.

Despite being a great player with high potential, Brighton’s forward couldn’t replicate Vini’s role.

The possession, which until then belonged solely to Brazil, shifted.

Colombia began piling on chances, forcing Alison to make excellent saves.

In midfield, Carrascal set the pace. James Rodriguez orchestrated the game. Luis Diaz was simply spectacular. Impressive was the speed, explosiveness, and physical fitness of this player.

Image: Juan Barreto/AFP

During the game, he made several 100-meter dashes, practically crossing the entire length of the field.

But Diaz will be the exclusive focus of the next chapter of this article.

The first half ends. Colombia already showed significant superiority, controlling the game and preventing Brazil from playing.

At the start of the second half, surprisingly, the game became more balanced.

Colombia still dominated proceedings and didn’t need much to breach Alison’s goal. However, the reverse was true. With just about three touches, Brazil reached Colombia’s goal. Or even from the back.

The dynamics revolved around André, Bruno Guimarães, and Rodrygo. When the midfielders broke the first line of a very advanced defense, Rodrygo had space to attack.

Playing with the legendary number 10 of the national team, he exploited spaces effectively. Carrying the ball when necessary but also serving his teammates in scoring positions. Brazil’s best player in the match.

Thus, both teams had chances to put the ball in the net.

However, Fernando Diniz substituted Rodrygo.

As mentioned by the coach in a press conference, the coaching staff felt the player was feeling the heat and fatigue. Frankly, as a viewer, these impressions couldn’t be confirmed.

In fact, Martinelli, who seemed much more fatigued, played the entire 90 minutes plus added time.

Nevertheless, Rodrygo’s exit proved fatal for Brazil. The chosen substitute was Paulinho, Atlético Mineiro’s forward.

Indeed, he’s a great player, but not for the role previously played by the number 10. Brazil lost their transition and was utterly dominated by Colombia.

The Colombian pressure kept mounting, resulting in two goals from crosses into the box.

As mentioned in the article concerning this lineup, unfortunately, expectations about Emerson Royal’s performance were confirmed. The Brazilian right-back made too many mistakes, both in actions with the ball at his feet and defensive positioning.

Renan Lodi, on the other hand, didn’t fare any better.

In the heart of defence, Gabriel Magalhães appeared very unfocused.

The terrible performance of the Brazilian defensive line led to the goals.

The first, James supplied Borja with immense freedom on the left flank, who delivered a cross to the far post. Luis Diaz rose to head it in.

Emerson Royal allowed the cross, and Renan Lodi doubled up with Gabriel Magalhães on the centre-forward, Córdoba. The result was Luis Diaz left free to finish.

The second goal was just a matter of time, and so it was. Only four minutes later, Colombia continued their relentless attack.

James Rodriguez received the ball with freedom on the Colombian right wing and crossed a beautiful ball to him, the shining star. Luis Diaz anticipated Emerson Royal, who expected the ball to come to his control. By the time the Brazilian full-back realized it, Luis Diaz was already celebrating the goal. Royal didn’t even get close enough to make the challenge on the forward.

Thus, Colombia defeats Brazil for the first time in the history of the World Cup Qualifiers, with the protagonist being the one who deserved it the most.

Image: Mauricio Castañeda/EFE

Luis Diaz Gifts His Father

Luis Diaz’s father, who shares the same name as his son, was kidnapped by the ELN (National Liberation Army), a Colombian paramilitary political group. The entire sports world was moved and expressed support for Luiz Diaz.

After thirteen days in captivity, Colombian authorities reached an agreement with the group, leading to Luis Manuel’s release in exchange for freeing an area where the national army had conducted a sweep. Unimaginable was the anguish and suffering Luis and his family went through.

But destiny holds some positive surprises. A game in his country, in his own home, against an adversary never defeated before. It was the perfect setting for Luis Diaz to gift his father.

Not just for the goals, because even if he hadn’t scored, Liverpool’s forward had an extraordinary performance. As mentioned, he covered impressive distances at a rarely seen speed. He was superior to the Brazilian defence in the vast majority of plays.

He could only be the one responsible for the victory, with his father there, in the stands, cheering on his son’s talent.

The expression on Luis Manuel’s face upon seeing his boy score against Brazil are unforgettable images.

Undoubtedly, a match that will go down in history.

Image: Reprodução Rede Globo de Televisão

Written by Vitor F L Miller.