World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 60,342

World Cup | Quarter-Finals

Jul 4, 2014 at 9pm UK

Brazil
2-1
Colombia

Silva (7'), Luiz (69')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Rodriguez (80' pen.)

Ronaldo: 'Juan Camilo Zuniga intended to hurt Neymar'

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter

Published: July 5 2014 | 20:33

Last updated: July 6 2014 | 04:27

Brazil legend Ronaldo believes that Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga intended to hurt Neymar in the challenge that ruled the forward out of the World Cup.

Brazil legend Ronaldo has criticised Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga for the challenge that ended Neymar's World Cup.

The Selecao will be without their star player for the rest of the tournament after he fractured a vertebra during the clash with the right-back in the 88th minute of Brazil's quarter-final victory.

Referee Carlos Velasco Carballo was maligned for his performance in Fortaleza, and Ronaldo believes that he couldn't be blamed for the tackle on Neymar as he feels that Zuniga intended to hurt the forward.

He is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News: "We like football without interruption, without fouls and meanness. I think maybe the referee let the game flow too much and at some point he lost authority.

"He could have controlled the game better, could have given some cards in the first half. But I don't think he changed the story of the game, it was a well-played, dynamic, intense game, I don't see any major refereeing responsibility.

"We can't blame anyone for the violent tackle of a player that didn't target the ball, but rather wanted to harm another footballer."

Brazil face Germany in their semi-final clash next week.