The significance wasn't lost on Colombian fans.
When defender Cristian Zapata scored his first-ever goal for his country against the USA in the 8th minute of the Copa America Centenario inaugural match on Friday, he also happened to be wearing the same number donned by the man who was on the minds of many on the day.
It's been 22 years since the murder of Colombian national team defender Andres Escobar, who was gunned down in Medellin, Colombia 11 days after his own goal led to a famous 1994 World Cup victory for the USA in a match that was also played in California.
Escobar's family was present for a pregame ceremony at Levi's Stadium, where they received a framed No. 2 jersey signed by the current team. Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin, who participated in the pregame concert, also saluted Escobar during his performance.
On what proved an emotional night for Colombians, fans were quick to point out how it was their No. 2 who scored in a 2-0 win 22 years since Escobar's death. And how it was a player wearing No. 2 for the USA [DeAndre Yedlin] who committed the hand ball that led to the goal that sealed it.
And in case anyone forgot just how much this match meant, Colombian national team legend Faustino Asprilla, who was a teammate of Escobar's, sent this postgame note via social media: "We won, Andres!!!"
Ganamos!!! Andres pic.twitter.com/0LgQOz6Rr3
— Faustino Asprilla (@TinoasprillaH) June 4, 2016
