A missed chance in the dying moments of a World Cup tie has spiralled into something far darker. Jaminton Campaz now faces death threats after Colombia’s elimination. As a result, he chose not to board the team’s flight home.
Campaz Death Threats Follow a Cruel Exit
Colombia bowed out in the Round of 16 against Switzerland. The tie finished goalless after 120 minutes, so it went to penalties. Then Switzerland edged the shootout 4-3. Deep in extra time, Campaz had the chance to win it. He pounced on a loose pass from Granit Xhaka near the 115th minute. However, his left-footed effort slid off target.
The cruel twist stung even more given his earlier heroics. Campaz had come off the bench to score a late winner against Uzbekistan in the group stage. In fact, that goal made him something of a super-sub for Colombia.
The 26-year-old still stepped up in the shootout and scored his spot-kick. Yet that composure counted for little once the tie slipped away. Soon after, death threats against Campaz flooded his social media. Consequently, the Rosario Central forward stayed behind instead of flying home with his teammates.
A Painful Echo of Colombian Football History
For now, his next move remains unclear. He may stay in the United States or travel to Argentina, where he plays for Rosario Central. Meanwhile, the Colombian Football Federation reacted with fury.
The federation condemned the Campaz death threats aimed at him and his family. It also urged prosecutors to open an investigation. Moreover, the case revived painful memories of Andrés Escobar, murdered in 1994 after an own goal at that World Cup.
Ultimately, no player should fear for their safety simply for wearing their country’s shirt. Football is meant to unite people, not breed hatred. Campaz echoed that message himself, reminding fans that frustration must never tip into fear.
