Brazil’s joy in reaching the World Cup has been overshadowed utterly by the shocking news that their talisman Neymar will play no further part in the tournament after fracturing a vertebra in his spine.
The hosts and tournament favourites set up a semi-final clash with Germany by disposing of Colombia in Fortaleza, Thiago Silva bundling home early on before David Luiz's 35-yard free-kick meant James Rodriguez's penalty was mere consolation.
However, the joy of that 2-1 win was quickly cut short by the injury to Barcelona forward Neymar, who left the field on a stretcher in the closing stages.
The 22-year-old, who is joint second top scorer in the tournament with four goals, was in tears after taking a knee to the back from Juan Zuniga, with Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirming he had sustained a fractured vertebra that will end his World Cup.
"It's not serious in the sense that it doesn't need surgery, but he'll need to immobilise it to recover," Lasmar said. "Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to play."
Neymar's injury will no doubt see focus fall upon the perpetrator but Colombia full-back Zuniga had denied any malicious intent.
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