Neymar Will Miss Rest of World Cup Due to Injury

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Brazil's Neymar grimaces in pain after getting injured during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Brazil and Colombia at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil, Friday, July 4, 2014.

Image: Fabrizio Bensch /Associated Press

By The Associated Press2014-07-05 00:02:50 UTC

FORTALEZA, Brazil — Brazil's team doctor said superstar striker 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 quarterfinal win over Colombia on Friday. He was crying in pain as he was carried off the field on a stretcher.

See also: In Clash of Continents, Brazil and Germany Win Quarterfinals

The Brazilian striker was taken to a local clinic, and team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said after the match that he had broken his third vertebrae.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said earlier Friday evening that Neymar may not be able to play against Germany in the World Cup semifinals due to his injury. "It will be very difficult for Neymar to play" next Tuesday in Belo Horizonte, Scolari said.

Brazil's Neymar is carried away after getting injured during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Brazil and Colombia at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil, Friday, July 4, 2014.

Image: Fabrizio Bensch/Associated Press

At 22 years old, Neymar is already considered one of the world's most exciting players. Although he only weighs 140 pounds, the striker makes up for his small stature with quickness, agility and exceptional skill.

Brazil will also play its next match without captain Thiago Silva, who will be forced to sit out for one game, after earning his second yellow card on Friday.

Additional reporting by Mashable

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