Neymar could miss semi-final - Scolari

Star forward Neymar is a major doubt for Brazil's semi-final with Germany after being stretchered off in Friday's win over Colombia, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said.

Neymar was carried off grimacing in agony after a heavy challenge from Colombia defender Juan Camillo Zuniga toward the end of Brazil's 2-1 win in Fortaleza.

The 22-year-old was whisked to hospital for tests after the incident and Scolari said afterwards he was now doubtful to recover in time.

"He was kneed in the lower back," Scolari said.

"We don't have the exact information but I can guarantee it won't be easy for him to recover based on what the doctor told us and the pain he is in.

"It will be very difficult for him to play."

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-07-05

UPDATE

Neymar out of World Cup - Brazil team doctor

Brazil star Neymar was ruled out of the World Cup here Friday with a back injury, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said.

Lasmar told reporters Neymar suffered a fracture in the third verterbra of his back during Brazil's bruising 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia.

Can Brazil beat Germany without neymar?

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Can Brazil beat Germany without neymar?

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Yes...... but they won't.

He has been targeted in every game and has a very slight build. Time to hit the gym and Hulk up I think

that colombian guy should be charged with assault. no excuse to pull up the knee like that.

He has been targeted in every game and has a very slight build. Time to hit the gym and Hulk up I think

He has not been targeted more than other top players.

He have had the ball a lot and tried quite a few runs, which of course will often end in a tackle.

Edited July 5, 201412 yr by Travel2003

Sad to hear Neymar is out, he must be heartbroken.

.....and Zuniga should have been sent off.

It makes a 4 month ban for a nip on the shoulder look ridiculous

He has been targeted in every game and has a very slight build. Time to hit the gym and Hulk up I think

He has not been targeted more than other top players.

He have had the ball a lot and tried quite a few runs, which of course will often end in a tackle.

Yes, James Rodriguez was particularly targetted by Brazil last night - how Fernandinho stayed on the pitch let alone was not booked is a miracle. Indeed the referee seemed determined to allow Brazil free rein and Silva only got booked because his attack on the Colombian keeper was comically inept.

So karma in the unfortunate Neymar's inury then.

Germany must be favourites as Brazil have squat creatively now - for heaven's sake, Fred started again last night and he is <deleted>. He must have some good pictures of Scolari.

But if FIFA can get another referee with similar qualities to the one last night they could get their wish of Brazil in the final.

From what I saw on a television sports report he will most definitely not play.

He apparently has a broken vertebrae in his lower back ..... no chance of him playing for a long time at best.

Yes, very unfortunate for him, the team and the fans.

Zuniga apologises.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28178753

But, really, what a tw%t.

That dreadful referee gave a license to all players to foul with impunity and Brazil in particular took advantage. Colombia had been far more sinned against during the game so it was ironic that a dreadful "challenge" on Neymar has put him out of the World Cup. I have to say at the start when I saw that clown in charge I was apprehensive.