The Colombian defender, Andres Escobar, scored an own goal against the United States in the 1994 World Cup in Los Angeles, USA, June 22, 1994. Ten days after that, Escobar was shot dead in Medellin, Colombia.
The Colombian defender, Andres Escobar, scored an own goal against the United States in the 1994 World Cup in Los Angeles, USA, June 22, 1994. Ten days after that, Escobar was shot dead in Medellin, Colombia.
Maria Ester Escobar was in Los Angeles, USA, July 2, 1994. In that early morning, Mary would never forget the moment that might be the worst memories of her life.
Maria received a phone call from Colombian national team midfielder Gabriel Barrabas Gomez. In a shaky voice, Gomez gave him bad news. "Maria, something terrible happened to Andres Andres has died!" Maria told Gomez's words at that time.
For the world of football, Andres Escobar is a talented defender who owned the club Atletico Nacional and the Colombian national team. However, for Mary and her whole family, Escobar, is much more important. "He is our sister, pride, and our joy," said Maria.
The pain of losing Escobar has not faded, though the younger brother has died 20 years ago. Escobar was killed after being shot six times outside a bar in Medellin, July 2, 1994.
Following the death of Escobar, Colombian police arrested Humberto Castro Munoz, who was a personal bodyguard of one of the leaders of the major cartels in Colombia. Known, Munoz killed Escobar because he was annoyed to lose a large bet. Munoz blames Escobar, because Escobar's own goal made the USA 2-1 win over Colombia on June 22, 1994.
Escobar has been gone for two decades. However, FIFA still appreciate the families left behind. At the 2014 FIFA World Cup, FIFA invited the Escobar family to watch live at the stadium. The opening game between Brazil versus Croatia had time to make the feelings of the Escobar family turbulent.
"Our feelings are mixed up, especially because the way the 2014 World Cup started with Marcelo's own goal brings back sadness, sad memories, but that's just part of the game that can happen anytime we're happy to be here and have a chance to share in joy with the audience that is here, "said Jose Escobar, brother of Andres.
The Escobar family claimed no trauma to soccer, since the incident that happened to Escobar. Apparently, the message from Escobar, exactly five days before the death, became the spirit of his family.
Life does not stop here, a phrase Escobar said to a Colombian newspaper, El Tiempo, about Colombia's exit from the 1994 World Cup.
20 (now 24) years is a long time and it's really annoying, but I prefer to thank God, for we have been given the chance to live with Escobar for 27 years. His life is short, but he does things that matter during that, said Maria.
The success of Colombia advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup, was welcomed by the Escobar family. In round 8, Colombia will meet the host, Brazil. For the Escobar family, this success was also encouraged by Escobar help.
Andres is present with them and the spirit of the team.Everyone should enjoy football with passion, but never forget a match.What happens to Andres should serve as a warning.There is no place for violence.The football must unite the country for the message of peace and love, said Maria.
Source: http://makassar.tribunnews.com
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