Brazil 2014: Neymar Ruled out of Tournament as Brazil Cruises to Semi-finals
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Brazil went through to the Semi-finals but had their bid to win a sixth World Cup suffer a devastating blow after star striker, Neymar was ruled out of the rest of the tournament after fracturing a vertebra during the quarter-final victory against Colombia.
The Barcelona striker was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after taking a knee to the back from the Colombia defender, Juan Zuniga late in the game in Fortaleza. He was taken to a private clinic where an X-ray revealed he had fractured one of his vertebrae. The team doctor said he will be out for four to six weeks.
Colombia’s Zuniga defended the challenge, claiming he did not deliberately try to hurt Neymar.
“It was a normal move” he said. “I never meant to hurt a player. I was on the field, playing for the shirt from my country, not without the intent to injure. I was just defending my shirt.”
Thiago Silva and David Luiz scored a goal each to set up a semi-final against Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, but Neymar’s injury represents a grave setback due to his importance to the team and the absence of a ready replacement. Brazil will be without Thiago Silva against Germany, as he had his second yellow card of the tournament during the match.
During a press conference, coach Scolari when asked how he could replace Neymar, said: “I don’t know I’m going to have to study this. It depends how people recover. Neymar has gone to a clinic.
“He was crying out in pain and I can guarantee it’s going to be hard for him, from what the doctors are telling me, and from what I was seeing, with the pain he was in. He’s young, he has a lot of energy and he takes cares of himself. So let’s see. Let’s just hope it’s not a serious problem.”
After the scan, goalscorer David Luiz revealed: “He’s out of the competition, He’s a great guy and now he’s out. Everyone feels sad.”
Many athletes have now used social media to express their sadness over Neymar’s condition, sending goodwill messages to him.
Argentina captain and Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi said: “Neymar, I hope you recover very soon friend!” While Brazil team-mate, Fred posted: “We have one more reason to play with heart in this cup. Neymar, rest assured that our group loves you and give life to win this title for you. You were and continue to be the ace and the soul of our team. The whole of Brazil is praying for you!”
Other well-wishers include Roberto Carlos; Miami Heat basketball star, LeBron James; Brazil and Chelsea midfielder, Willian; Arsenal duo, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil; Italy striker, Mario Balotelli; Brazilian model, Gisele Bundchen and Brazil president, Dilma Rousseff.
