Executed over an own goal

A mural in Andres Escobar's home town of Medellin in Colombia remembers the murdered defender.

Escobar was part of a Colombia squad that traveled to the 1994 World Cup with high hopes of making an impact, as a crop of talented players like Faustino Asprilla and Carlos Valderrama prepared to announce themselves on the biggest stage of all. Escobar was known as "El Caballero del FÃºtbol" -- "The Gentleman of Football."

Colombia lost its opening match to Romania and Escobar then scored an own goal during a 2-1 defeat to hosts USA. Despite winning its last game against Switzerland, his side finished bottom of its group.

Six days after Colombia's World Cup exit, on July 2, Escobar was gunned down in the early hours of the morning in Medellin.

Escobar's death was linked to drug lords who had suffered big gambling losses due to Colombia's exit at the group stage but nothing was ever proven. He has been remembered by the country's fans ever since, like here, at the 1998 World Cup in France.

Escobar's death came at a volatile and violent chapter in Colombia's history. But its current crop of players have been an exuberant presence at this World Cup.

James Rodriguez is the stand out star in a vibrant Colombian team, who have won over legions of fans with its style, skill and choreographed goal celebrations. It makes its first ever appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday when facing hosts Brazil. Escobar's brother Jose and sister Maria Ester will be in attendance.

Colombia faces hosts Brazil on Friday in its first ever World Cup quarterfinal
Match comes 20 years after the murder of Colombian defender Andres Escobar
Escobar was gunned down days after Colombia had exited the 1994 World Cup
The 27-year-old had scored an own goal in a defeat to the USA during the competition

How are you celebrating the World Cup? Join the global conversation on CNN Facebook Pulse

(CNN) -- For Colombia this week, two worlds collide.

Its captivating side -- led by the tournament's star man James Rodriguez -- is preparing for its first ever World Cup quarterfinal on Friday, hinting at a future full of promise.

But that glamor tie against hosts Brazil also comes 20 years after perhaps Colombian football's darkest hour -- the murder of former national team player Andres Escobar.

The 27-year-old defender was a victim of a volatile and violent chapter in the country's history, seemingly executed as punishment for scoring an own goal at the 1994 World Cup.

Read: Rodriguez stars for Colombia

Escobar's error contributed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts USA and six days after Colombia's tournament ended, on July 2, he was shot six times by gunmen in his home town of Medellin.

Buenos dÃas, hoy hace 20 aÃ±os, AndrÃ©s Escobar nos dejÃ³, pero permanece en nuestros corazones. http://t.co/qol1Za3jVQ pic.twitter.com/p9zE81tCgK
â€" AtlÃ©tico Nacional (@nacionaloficial) July 2, 2014

The murder was linked to drug lords who had suffered big gambling losses due to Colombia's exit at the group stage but nothing was ever proven.

Two decades on as Colombia prepares for one the biggest clashes in its history -- delivered by a squad that is seen as a symbol of hope -- the significance of the Escobar anniversary is not lost on the country.