Brazil World Cup 2014 Breaking News: Bittersweet For Brazil, Neymar Out For Remainder Of World Cup With Fractured Vertebra In Back [VIDEO]

Brazil star and global icon, Neymar has a fractured third vertebra in his back suffered in the final moments of his team’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia on Friday. Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar announced that Neymar would out for the remainder of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The hosts and betting favorites face the second best team in the tournament (according to oddsmakers) Germany on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte.

To make matters worse, Brazil’s captain Thiago Silva received his second yellow card on stupid play as he intentionally collided with Colombia’s keeper, David Ospina while attempting a goal kick. Silva will be suspended for the match against Germany.

The joy of Brazil’s win against a tough and exciting Colombian squad lead by breakout star and current Golden Boot leader, James Rodriguez was overshadowed by Neymar’s injury on Friday. Neymar was carted off the pitch as stoppage time began and could be seen visibly in tears after taking a knee to his back by Colombia’s Juan Zuniga. Zuniga after the game spoke about the play:

“I think that’s a play in which you are defending your country, your jersey. They came after James Rodriguez a thousand times; they kicked him and pushed him around and nothing was done. Who knew if he would be able to play in a next game. Now what has happened with Neymar, let’s hope the power of God that it is nothing serious.”

After being told by reporters that indeed Neymar had suffered a fractured vertebra on the play, Zuniga changed his tune a little bit:

“Yes, I ask for his [Neymar] forgiveness. It was never my intention to take him out of the World Cup. My intention was to defend my country and nothing else. I’m sorry.”

Brazil most certainly will be mourning the loss of their star for the next few days, but will show full support for their team on Tuesday. If the injury and suspension to two of their top players do lead to Brazil losing to Germany, you most certainly know that Zuniga will take on the wrath of a nation.

Neymar was seen leaving the Estadio Castelao on an IV drip and after an initial check at the stadium, was rushed to a local hospital. Video footage showed Neymar arriving at the hospital, crying in pain as he lay on a gurney bed.

“It’s not serious in the sense that it doesn’t need surgery, but he’ll need to immobilize it to recover,” Lasmar said. “Unfortunately, he’s not going to be able to play.” Lasmar added that he expects Neymar to need at least 3-4 weeks to recover, ruling him out completely for Brazil’s semifinal match on Tuesday and potential Final on July 13^th.

Lebron James weighed in on the Neymar injury on twitter as well: