World Cup - I never meant to hurt Neymar, says Colombia's Zuniga

            

                          Neymar ,Zuniga - Brazil vs Colombia - World Cup 2014 (AFP)

Brazil held on for a 2-1 quarter-final win over their fellow South Americans but will be without Neymar against Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday and the final should they progress.

"We wanted to score, and it was a tough game. Brazil was marking strongly. I hope it's nothing serious, let's pray to God," Zuniga told reporters.

"On the pitch I'm defending my shirt, my country, but I didn't expect him to fracture a vertebrae. He is a great talent for Brazil and for the world."

Zuniga jumped into the back of Neymar and his knee struck the Brazilian's third vertebra two minutes from the final whistle, dealing a major blow to the hosts who are seeking a sixth world title.

"It's a normal action, I tried to shadow him," Zuniga said. "I was not thinking of hurting him. I was defending my countrys colours."

Neymar had to be taken off on a stretcher and was transported to hospital where the extent of the injury was diagnosed.

Colombia were desperate for an equaliser after falling 2-0 behind before cutting the deficit with a late penalty.

"Sadly it happened this way. I hope he gets well, God willing," the Colombia defender said.

Neymar, who had netted four times in the tournament, will not require surgery but will be out for several weeks, team doctors said.