New Zealand-based Brazil fans are thrilled their team is through to the Fifa World Cup semifinals — but their joy is tempered slightly by the loss of key player Neymar.
Image 1 of 7: Brazilian fans are in good voice ahead of their team's quarter-final against Colombia in Fortaleza. Photo / Getty Images
Soccer fans crowded into Santos cafe in Auckland to celebrate the march of the Brazil host nation though a brokenvertebra from a knee to the back by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga has ruled four-goal striker Neymar out of the competition.
Supporter Francieli McWilliams (pictured) said it was a worry to lose Brazil's golden player.
"But we believe in our players and we have faith. [Neymar] is a big loss but they can do it without him," she said.
Fans formed a colourful array of greens, yellows, blues and reds as they leapt up and down from their seats in the Ponsonby cafe. Even the Colombian fans had a good time.
"I think soccer is pretty much the only thing we all agree on as a country so we all like it. When the team plays, we are all in the same place watching together," said Colombian supporter Jose Tellez.
