Neymar injury: Brazil fear over fitness of talisman ahead of World Cup quarter-final against Colombia

With four goals in this tournament already the hosts cannot do without the striker

Simon Rice
Sunday 29 June 2014 12:44 BST
Comments
Neymar and Scolari embrace after Brazil went through on penalties against Chile
Neymar and Scolari embrace after Brazil went through on penalties against Chile (GETTY IMAGES)

Brazil were furious with a challenge on Neymar than threatens to rule the striker out of their quarter-final meeting with Colombia.

The hosts' talisman was clattered by Charles Aranguiz just four minutes into Brazil's eventual win over Chile at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte.

"I don't understand how you can do that and not be booked," Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said after the match.

Neymar was able to continue despite the knock to his thigh and was fit enough to take and score Brazil's final penalty in the shoot-out.

However there remain concerns over the Barcelona player's fitness ahead of Friday's quarter-final.

"We need to evaluate it but we should have three, four or five days to try and make sure he can play the next game," said Scolari.

Neymar said after the match: "We really suffered. It was pure emotion. My tears after the game were of happiness.

"We know that it was not one of our best matches but the desire to win, and get through to the next round, was huge. It was the most I have ever suffered in football.

"Today I had everything. I took a knock, I had cramp. Now all I want to do is rest."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in