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Ronaldo: 'Brazil remain World Cup favourites'

Brazil legend Ronaldo warns Germany not to underestimate Luiz Felipe Scolari's side following the loss of Neymar to injury.

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has warned Germany not to underestimate the Selecao following the loss of key player Neymar.

The Barcelona forward was stretchered off the field during Brazil's 2-1 victory against Colombia on Friday night, with scans later revealing that he would play no further part in the tournament.

Many, including Spain legend Raul, have claimed that the hosts will be severely weakened following the loss of Neymar, but Ronaldo suggests otherwise.

"If the Germans think they will find a weak, impaired, hopeless side on the pitch, because they lost one player, and even if this player is called Neymar, they will make a great mistake underestimating the quality of the Brazilian team," he is quoted as saying by Goal.com.

"Brazil have never and will never be defined by one player. We have great examples in the past, with players the same level as Neymar. Pele got injured at the 1962 World Cup and was replaced.

"Despite that, Brazil still won the World Cup. We expect whoever takes to the pitch will do their best. Brazil have a good strong group of players that will show that, even with the absence of Neymar, they are still the favourites."

Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 98 appearances for Brazil.

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Brazil's forward Neymar is carried on a stretcher after he was injured following a tackle during the quarter-final football match between Brazil and Colombia at the Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on July 4, 2014
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