Liverpool player’s Alisson Becker and Luis Diaz faced off at the Copa America on Wednesday morning.
The Reds’ South American quartet have so far been enjoying themselves over in the United States this summer.
All four of the Liverpool squad featuring for their nations were already pretty much guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals before Wednesday’s match.
Darwin Nunez has been on fire for Uruguay, who have been perfect throughout the group stage. Alexis Mac Allister and Argentina have also won three out of three so far.
Heading into the match in Santa Clara, Colombia were also looking to maintain a perfect run. Meanwhile, Alisson and Brazil were aiming to overhaul Diaz and win the group themselves.
Brazilian media give Alisson verdict
There was a real incentive for Brazil to beat Colombia and win their pool on Wednesday. Take the points, and Alisson and co would face Panama in the last eight.
But anything other than a win and the Selecao would instead have to get past the dangerous looking Uruguay.
As it turned out, Brazil could not get the job done. They were left to rue their disappointing draw against Costa Rica on Matchday 1 as they collected a 1-1 draw against the Colombians.
Former Liverpool transfer target Raphinha gave them an early lead, but Brazil could not hold on. Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz equalised just before half-time to hand Colombia top spot in the group.
READ MORE: Darwin Nunez misses out on Uruguay record during latest Copa America outing
For Alisson, it now means he has to keep out Nunez who has been in truly terrific goal-scoring form for Urugayan.
Thankfully for him, the Liverpool shot-stopper was able to keep Diaz from getting the better of him on Wednesday. However, according to Brazilian outlet Globo, Alisson did make a mistake that could have changed that.
Handing the 31-year-old a five out of 10 rating, Globo claim that he ‘gave the ball to Luis Diaz‘ which presented a chance for his Anfield teammate. Luckily for Alisson, Lucho put the shot over the bar.
Aside from that, it doesn’t look as though Ali did much wrong. He is said to have made a decent save from James Rodriguez, was ‘safe when required’ and was ‘not to blame for the goal.’ Still, the Diaz moment appears to have pulled his rating right down.
What’s next at Copa America?
It has been an impressive display from Liverpool players in the US so far. Arne Slot will perhaps have a different view, but we think it’s great that they’re all through to the quarter-finals.
At least one is certain to make it no further though, as Alisson takes on Nunez in the early hours of Sunday.
Before then, Mac Allister is the next in action. Argentina face a tricky looking match-up with Ecuador on Friday morning, before Colombia play Panama on Saturday night.
If Argentina can beat the Ecuadorians, they’ll fancy themselves to make another final. Canada or Venezuela lie in wait in the semi-finals.
For Colombia, they’ll likely beat Panama but will have to face either Brazil again or Uruguay in the semis.
All still to play for.
