FIFA World Cup: Tackle on Neymar was highly violent, says Ronaldo

Speaking at a press conference at the Maracana on Saturday, Ronaldo said, "I think the injury was a very violent one. I believe there was an intention to hurt him."

Germany and Brazil have played 104 and 102 matches so far in the World Cups. But they have met only once, in the 2002 final in Yokohama where Brazil won 2-0.


Ronaldo 

The man to have scored both the goals in that match against Oliver Kahn is no longer interested in looking back, though. Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima was more interested in explaining the way Neymar was injured and what lies ahead for his beloved Selecao.

Speaking at a press conference at the Maracana on Saturday, Ronaldo said, "I think the injury was a very violent one. I believe there was an intention to hurt him.

That was not normal in football and it was very aggressive. I didn't like that very high knee so that leads me to believe it was a foul with intention to actually cause harm. I thought it was a highly violent and unlawful move by the Colombia player."

Brazil believes that they will not be the same team without Neymar in the semi-final against Germany. But Ronaldo thought otherwise.

Still hope for Brazil
"I'm sure that Brazil has lost a very important figure. Brazil loses enormously without Neymar but I hope a highly motivated team will be back on the pitch. Perhaps Fred, Jo or Hulk may step up.

Neymar had a dream to guide Brazil to World Cup glory but I believe that the rest of the team will help him achieve his dream. Hopefully Brazil will be able to dedicate it to him."

He believed that the World Cup had been fantastic, but has not gone well for strikers. "We lost (Karim) Benzema after France was beaten and James Rodriguez when Colombia lost their quarter-final against Brazil. Then Neymar went out in the most unfortunate way."

He did send a text message to Neymar after it was confirmed that he will not be able to take part in the World Cup anymore.

"After the situation was confirmed, I sent him a message and gave him all my support," said Ronaldo, who thought that Brazil had its best performance against Colombia as they did not totally depend on Neymar. He added that was how Brazil must play against Germany in Belo (Horizonte) on July 8.

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