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 Diaz, 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.

Brazil started well and dominated early proceedings, taking the lead in the fourth minute through a strike by Gabriel Martinelli, assisted by Vinicius Jr's first-touch pass.

The jet-heeled Real Madrid winger was forced out due to a thigh injury halfway through the first half after which the home side slowly took control, roared on by the crowd at the sold-out Metropolitano stadium in Barranquilla.

Luis Diaz alone created 10 attempts on target for Colombia, but was denied the equaliser by a string of fine saves from Liverpool teammate Alisson, before defensive mistakes helped him net two headers in the 75th and 79th minutes.

Diaz burst into tears as he dedicated the win to his father who was celebrating emotionally in the stands.

Winless in the last three games, Brazil will be under heavy pressure as they are set to host rivals Argentina at the Maracana on Tuesday.

Argentina lose

Argentina will also be looking to bounce back after dropping their first points in five games, losing 2-0 at home to Uruguay but keeping their place at the top of the standings.

Goals in each half from Ronald Araujo and Darwin Nunez gave Uruguay victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina in a nervy affair at the Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires.

The visitors were the better side from start to finish and the win put them second in the standings on 10 points, two behind Argentina.

Araujo scored in the 41st minute with a first-time strike from inside the box that was just beyond goalkeeper Emi Martinez, and Nunez secured the points with a tidy finish in a counter-attack in the 87th.

"They are a strong team and played with more intensity. We struggled mightily," Messi told TyC Sports.

Reuters