Despite qualifying for the World Cup semi-final for the first time since 2002, Brazil fans are today in a state of mourning after star man Neymar was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
The Selecao’s poster boy, who, with his four goals, has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent, suffered a fractured bone in the spine after a challenge by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga in Friday’s last eight clash.
Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said: "Unfortunately, he's not going to be able to play. He is very, very sad.
"It's not serious in the sense that it doesn't need surgery, but he'll need to immobilise it to recover."
Tributes have since flooded in for the 22-year-old.
Brazil captain Thiago Silva, who will also miss the semi-final against Germany through suspension, said: "They take your dream of playing the World Cup semi-final and final. I love you my brother Neymar. We'll fight for you."
Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho added: "It's a big loss for us. 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."
Brazil’s No9 Fred said: "We have one more reason to play with heart in this cup.
"Neymar, rest assured that our group loves you and give life to win this title for you. You were and continue to be the ace and the soul of our team. The whole of Brazil is praying for you!”
It wasn’t just Neymar’s Brazilian team-mates who were compelled to send their best wishes; his Barcelona club-mate Lionel Messi wrote on his Facebook page: "Neymar, I hope you recover very soon friend!"
And Neymar's injury also caused ripples in the Brazilian government, with president Dilma Rousseff saying: "All our support to @neymarjr! #ForcaNeymar."
In other World Cup news, the last two quarter final ties take place today, with Holland facing Costa Rica and Argentina taking on Belgium.
