A somber mood spread over Brazil as the reality dawned on the World Cup host nation that >injured striker Neymar wouldn’t play again at the tournament.
Newspapers on Saturday fronted photos of Neymar crying in pain, reaching for his injured back, upon which rested Brazil’s hopes for a sixth World Cup title.
Yet slivers of optimism remain.
Sports commentator Juca Kfouri wrote in the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper that, yes, Brazil faces an immense challenge against Germany in Tuesday’s semifinal.
With Neymar out and captain Thiago Silva suspended, he wrote “the Germans are not only the favourites they’re a sure thing. And therein lies the danger for them.”
Kfouri says the pressure is now off Brazil and they may play looser in the underdog role.
