Injured Neymar ruled out of World Cup

Nick Rigillo, dpa

Brazilian star Neymar is out of the World Cup with a fractured vertebrae, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said Friday, in a massive blow for the tournament's host nation.

Lasmar told the SporTV network that x-rays in hospital had revealed that Neymar broke the third vertebrae when he received a knee in his lower back from a challenge by Colombia's Juan Zuniga late in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia in Fortaleza.

Lasmar said that Neymar will be out of action for four to six weeks, meaning he will miss Tuesday's semi-final against Germany and the July final, should Brazil win, or the July 12 match for third place, should they lose in Belo Horizonte.

Neymar, who is still only 22, had scored four goals at the World Cup and was the undisputed star of the Selecao, which is seeking a record sixth title.

But his dream ended on a stretcher and television footage showed him on a drip as he was carried into a nearby hospital for tests.

"He was crying in pain," coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said before the nature of the injury was known to him.

Neymar's absence further complicates Brazil's plans for the semi-final in Belo Horizonte, where the hosts will also be without suspended captain Thiago Silva.

"Neymar fought hard and dreamed about being in a World Cup. He is someone who only brings good things to football: joy and magic," said David Luiz.

"Brazil will suffer a lot by this loss, but Neymar can continue to help us with his joy," the defender added.

Brazil have been widely criticized for being over-reliant on their 22-year-old star.

But Luiz, who was in tears upon hearing of the news of his injury, said the team would do its best to overcome his absence.

"We will make a pact to support him, to be by his side and to show the strength of this team on the pitch," the Chelsea player said of his Barcelona colleague.

Scolari said Zuniga should have been booked for the tackle, which came at the end of a match that saw a record number of fouls - 54. Scolari had previously complained about the referees not protecting his star player enough after he received a couple of knocks against Chile.

Silva said that Zuniga was not a mean player but also admitted that Neymar will terribly missed in the team.

"We depend a lot on Neymar, Neymar makes the difference in our team," he added.

The injury sent shockwaves through the whole country which had celebrated wildly with fireworks after the final whistle.

"Sad news for the whole Brazilian nation," said the Lance sports paper on its website. But it added: "We will get the Hexa (sixth World Cup title) for him."