Central & South America

Brazil lost their second consecutive World Cup qualifier match as Colombia fought back to win 2-1 against the five-time champions, who dropped to fifth place in the South American standings on Thursday.

It was a cathartic evening for Liverpool forward Luis Díaz, who scored twice within four minutes late in the second-half to give his country the shock win just days after Colombian guerrillas freed his kidnapped father.

Liverpool and Colombia winger Luis Diaz has reunited with his father for the first time since the latter's kidnapping ordeal, the Colombian football federation said on Tuesday.

Luis Manuel Diaz, 58, was released on Thursday by the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) 12 days after he was taken hostage on Oct. 28 in Barrancas, a rural municipality where he lives in the northern province of La Guajira.

Luis Diaz reunites with father

The anticipation of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez joining Inter Miami continues to grow and he gave a preview of what his time in Major League Soccer could look like on Thursday. 

With his side Gremio trailing Brazilian Série A league leaders Botafogo 3-1, Suárez netted a hat trick in the span of 19 minutes to pull his side ahead.

Suárez may be turning 37 next January, but he’s shown that he hasn’t lost any of his goal scoring abilities.

BOGOTA — Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas on Thursday freed the father of Liverpool soccer player Luis Diaz, after taking him hostage in the country's north nearly two weeks ago, the government said.

Luis Díaz father freed

LUTON — Liverpool forward Luis Díaz came off the bench on Sunday to head a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw at lowly Luton Town and dedicate the goal to his father who was kidnapped in Colombia.

On the back foot for most of the game, Luton took a shock lead when Ross Barkley drove forward in the 80th minute to release Issa Kabore who passed for Tahith Chong to slide the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.

Brazil has submitted a letter of intent to soccer's governing body FIFA to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, the South American country's Minister of Sports Andre Fufuca said on Saturday.

Fufuca presented the documents to FIFA President Gianni Infantino while he was in Rio de Janeiro for the Copa Libertadores final, which was won by Brazilian club Fluminense for the first time.

When will Neymar be back?

Brazil forward Neymar underwent surgery on Thursday after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty.

The 31-year-old was forced off during Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay two weeks ago before an MRI scan confirmed the extent of his injuries.