With an unintentional knee to the back in the waning minutes of Brazil’s 2-1 quarterfinal win against Colombia, Brazilian star football player Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (otherwise simply known as just Neymar) was taken off the field. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance in order to have images taken of his back and to get his pain controlled, which likely took stronger drugs than could be administered at the stadium.
It was later confirmed that he had suffered a fractured third vertebrae and is expected to be out for several weeks. Translation: probably for the remainder of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
According to Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, the poster boy who has scored four goals this World Cup definitely needs to be ruled out of the tournament. “Unfortunately, he isn’t going to be able to play. It’s not serious in the sense that it doesn’t need surgery but he’ll need to immobilise it to recover,” he said after Neymar was wheeled out of the stadium in Fortaleza.
This is a big blow to host nation Brazil as Neymar will miss the semi-final against Germany next week. The news also collectively broke the hearts of fans from all over the globe as Neymar is one of the world’s most marketable players and has been driving Brazil’s bid for a sixth world title with his goals and creative talent. Football fans have had no qualms whatsoever labelling him a flawless striker.
UPDATE:
Neymar leaves a message for Brazil and fans, “appearing” for the first time on TV since he was wheeled out of the field during the Brazil vs. Colombia game. In this video, he speaks briefly about going through a difficult time and is quoted as saying, “My dream is not over”.
Aww..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHTdTiQzICQ
We’ll miss you on the field, Neymar! Here’s to a speedy recovery.
(Source)
