By Robbie Blakeley, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Neymar is out of the FIFA World Cup after breaking his back in the 2-1 win over Colombia. The Seleção No.10 has netted four goals in the tournament so far and has arguably been his country’s best players in their run to the semi-finals.
Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: “It’s not serious in the sense that it doesn’t need surgery, but he’ll need to immobilize it to recover. Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to play.”
Just a few minutes before the final whistle, Colombia defender Juan Zuniga caught Neymar in the lower back with his knee. The Barcelona star was forced to leave the game on a stretcher and in tears.
His absence leaves coach Luiz Felipe Scolari with an enormous selection headache ahead of Tuesday’s monumental match against Germany at the Mineirão. Neymar is Brazil’s leading scorer in the competition with four goals.
Bernard, Jô and Willian are all in contention to replace the Barcelona starlet next week. Whoever plays, the hosts have been dealt a massive blow after reaching the last four for the first time since their most recent World Cup win back in 2002.
Nemyar has been the target of several tactical fouling ploys by sides in the World Cup. Prior to kick-off against Colombia he was already suffering from a minor thigh injury after Brazil’s second round penalty shoot-out victory over Chile.
* The Rio Times Daily Updates feature is offered to help keep you up-to-date with important news as it happens.
Read More from The Rio Times