Brazil’s star striker Neymar will miss the rest of the World Cup after being kneed in the back and fracturing his third vertebra during Friday’s 2-1 quarterfinal win over Colombia.
With tears streaming down his face, 22-year-old Neymar was carried off the field on a stretcher.
"It’s a big loss for us," Brazil midfielder Fernandinho said. "We need to find a way to stay together and become stronger after losing our greatest player. We will try to win this World Cup and for sure we will dedicate it to Neymar."
Neymar was kneed by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga late in the second half at the Arena Castelao. He was taken to a private clinic and was released a short time later.
He was not expected to need surgery, Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said, but he will also not be able to face Germany on Tuesday in the World Cup semifinals.
"He will not be in condition to play, he will need a few weeks to be fit again," Lasmar said. "He is very, very sad."
Neymar was hurt in the 86th minute, falling to the ground in pain after Zuniga jumped into him from behind.
Friday’s match ended with 54 fouls in total – 31 by Brazil and 23 by Colombia. Scolari said Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo should have done more to take control of the match.
According to Hulk, another of Brazil’s strikers, Neymar needs more protection from the officials.
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