Julio Cesar: 'Neymar injury brings huge sadness'

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar has revealed that there is "huge sadness" within the Brazil squad after Neymar was ruled out of the World Cup through injury.

Neymar broke a vertebra in his spine during the closing stages of Brazil's 2-1 victory over Colombia, but despite acknowledging that the Barcelona star will be devastated by the injury, Cesar believes that his teammate would have a positive message for the rest of the squad.

The 34-year-old is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "Knowing that he can't play any more is a huge sadness. We know how much Ney wanted to shine at this World Cup and how much happiness that he feels bringing joy to the Brazilian people.

"He's a spectacular kid. I think that if he had to send us a message right now, he'd say 'Guys, keep your heads up and I'll be with you on the 13th'."

Brazil will attempt to move a step closer their sixth World Cup trophy when they play Germany in the semi-finals on Tuesday.