As the host nation for this year’s World Cup, and one of the great soccer nations, the pressure for Brazil to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament is immense.
For that to happen, a fully fit squad for manager Luiz Felipe Scolari to choose from would be ideal. After Friday’s quarterfinal match against Colombia that will no longer be the case.
Brazil star Neymar was stretchered off the field after taking a knee to the back from Juan Zúñiga. With one of the game’s brightest young stars in visible pain, the thoughts of many turned to Neymar’s possible availability for Tuesday’s semifinal meeting with Germany.
As it turns out, 22-year-old will not be able to play on Tuesday, or in the final if his country makes it that far. The collision has resulted in a fractured vertebrae and Neymar will be sidelined for the remainder of the World Cup.
Obviously, a huge blow for Brazil as if they are to capture their sixth World Cup championship it will have to be done without their best player. Thankfully, it doesn’t appear surgery will be required and we can only hope Neymar makes a full and speedy recovery.
