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The
hosts and favourites disposed of Colombia 2-1 in an enthralling battle
at the Estadio Castelao on Friday, setting-up a semi-final clash with
Germany.
However, progression was tainted by injury to key man
Neymar, who left the field on a stretcher in the closing stages after
taking a knee in the back from Juan Zuniga.
The 22-year-old was in
tears and left the stadium on a drip, with Brazil doctor Rodrigo Lasmar
quickly confirming he has sustained a fractured vertebra that will end
his World Cup.
That news has shaken the hosts but Pele does not
believe the injury to Neymar will end their chances of glory, pointing
to his own experience in 1962.
"I hope the same will happen with our Selecao in this World Cup."
Pele
posted his support on Twitter where many other high-profile figures
have expressed their sympathy, varying from basketball player LeBron
James to Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen and the country's president
Dilma Rousseff.
Former Selecao players Roberto Carlos, Kaka and
Gilberto Silva have sent supportive messages, while Neymar's
international team-mates have also taken to social media.
Brazil great Pele sent his condolences to the striker
Brazil and Chelsea midfielder Willian tweeted: "Have strength brother. neymarjr we are together with you, we love you."
Selecao
striker Jo and midfielder Paulinho had similar messages, while Fred's
lengthy Facebook post included a drawing of Neymar being surrounded by
fans.
"We have one more reason to play with heart in this cup," Fred said.
"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!"
Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi was another to post his support, saying: "Neymar, I hope you recover very soon friend!"
Players
from Brazil's semi-final opponents Germany also expressed sympathy on
social media, with Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski sending their regards.
The
latter posted on Twitter: "Happy with our victory today, can't wait to
face £Brasil, sad for NeymarJr hope you get better soon".
Former
Brazil striker Ronaldo revealed he had also sent a message of support to
Neymar, saying the country would dedicate a World Cup win to him.
Ronaldo also sent a message to the young star
Ronaldo told reporters in Rio de Janeiro: "I sent him a message
conveying all my support and solidarity, telling him I felt not only his
physical pain but the agony of having to abandon the World Cup.
"For
such a young player with so many dreams, and one of those dreams was to
play the World Cup in his own country in front of his own people.
"He
has suffered a very heavy blow and I told him the whole country is
proud of him, and that every effort will be made to win the World Cup in
Brazil and dedicate it to him."
Lothar Matthaus, who captained Germany to the 1990 World Cup, added his support.
He said: "We have tears in our eyes when we see the image of Neymar yesterday. All German fans wish him a speedy recovery.
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