Brazil loses Neymar to broken vertebrae
Brazil's Neymar reacts after missing a chance to score during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Brazil and Colombia at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil, Friday, July 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
FORTALEZA, Brazil — Brazil’s team doctor says Neymar will miss the rest of the World Cup after breaking a vertebrae during the team’s quarterfinal win over Colombia.
Neymar was kneed in the back by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga in the second half of Brazil’s 2-1 win, and was in tears when he was carried off the field on a stretcher.
He was taken to a local clinic and team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the match that the star striker had broken his third vertebrae.
Neymar is the Brazil’s biggest star and has scored four goals for the team so far in the tournament.
Brazil plays Germany in the semifinals on Tuesday.
