Two decades have passed since Andres Escober was gunned down in cold blood for netting an unfortunate own goal in the World Cup and as Colombians celebrate a last-16 berth in the ongoing edition, they also continue to mourn the death of one of their most revered footballers.
The painful memories of the tragic incident linger and Colombia, especially his club Atletico Nacional, continues to remember him.
Shortly after returning home following a first-round elimination in the 1994 USA World Cup, defender and then captain Escobar, who scored an own goal in the 2-1 defeat by the hosts, was shot dead in a restaurant car park in Medellin.
The incident was condemned by international football community and tributes continue to pour in from across the world.
Present day players of Atletico Nacional, in fact, sing a song dedicated to Escober before matches in the Colombian league.
"He is fondly remembered even today. Nacional players, before every match in the Colombian league, sing a song dedicated to him and its lyrics has Escober's name in it," said Nicolas, a passionate Colombian fan who often tries his hand in the lower division leagues back home and also keeps a tab on Nacional's performance.
"That was a cowardly act and cannot be pardoned. Colombia will never forget him (Escober)," the 26-year-old, who is sporting a haircut that resembles a football and who is in Brazil following his country's progress in the ongoing World Cup along with two other friends, added.
