Injured Neymar out of World Cup

Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the World Cup after fracturing his vertebra in the closing stages of the 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia on Friday in a major blow to the host nation. Neymar, who has scored four goals in the tournament, will miss the semi-final against Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday and the final should they progress. He is expected to be out for some weeks. ‘Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to play,’ said Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar. Neymar, Brazil’s poster boy and one of the world’s most marketable players, has been driving his country’s bid for a 6th world title with his goals and creative talent. He went down after a challenge by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga in the 88th minute and looked to be in considerable pain. The 22-year-old, who plays for Spanish club Barcelona, had to be carried off on a stretcher and was replaced by defender Henrique for the final minutes of the game. Brazil captain Thiago Silva, who will also miss the semi-final after being booked on Friday, refused to blame Zuniga for the injury. ‘Zuniga is not a bad guy. But at that moment he wasn’t very prudent, he could have held up a bit, fouled in a different way.’ He said now was the time for Brazil players to come closer together and show even more solidarity on the pitch, according to Reuters.