Scolari needs Plan B now

Brazil finally exuded Brazilliance. For the first time in the World Cup, Brazil played like a team and like the Solecao. And it came five games into the World Cup and at a time when they needed it most against Colombia.

David Luiz of Brazil celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between Brazil and Colombia at Estadio Castelao on July 4, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Colombia were a dangerous side, outscoring opponents 11-2 before the match. But a Team Brazil set up a semifinal clash against Germany, eliminating Colombia 2-1. It was thoroughly an entertaining match. Fans waited so long for this Brazil, an entertainer and winner. Brazil started to look like champions.

The whole country should have been jiving with the samba beat by now. Instead, Brazil is shell-shocked. Their man for the Sexa hope, the sixth World Cup, was ruled out of the tournament. A brutal knee-charge on the back of Neymar brought down the curtain on Brazil's most important player. Camilo Zuniga escaped a red card but managed to serve a crushing blow to the Brazil's bid. Zuniga is possibly the most hated man on the earth at the moment.
   

Neymar of Brazil lies on the field after a challenge as teammate Marcelo reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between Brazil and Colombia at Castelao on July 4, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

It was supposed to be a battle of two 22-year-olds or two Number 10s -- Neymar and Rodriguez. Fate of the two South American countries depended on who would outshine others. The popular prediction was that the top No. 10 on the day would win the match.  

James Rodriguez (L) of Colombia is consoled by head coach Jose Pekerman after the 1-2 defeat in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between Brazil and Colombia at Estadio Castelao on July 4, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

But defenders were the ones who dictated terms and sealed the fate of the match. A mis-joined Brazil suddenly looked like one unit with defender Maicon coming in for Dani Alves and Fernandinho replacing Luiz Gustavo. A build-up to a Brazilian attack could be seen for the first time at the backline. The Brazil defence manned the fort, neutralised Colombian No. 10, gave momentum to an attack and then went  on to score. What more any coach can think of expecting!

Brazil exulted when skipper Thiago Silva put them ahead early in the seven minutes from a Neymar corner. Only blemish of Thiago was his picking up of the second yellow card quite unnecessarily. But the David Luiz heart-stopper really sent them over the moon. The most expensive defender in the world rocketed in a perfect free kick into the upper corner of the goal from 35 yards out.  

Lionel Messi leads social media tributes after Brazil star Neymar is ruled out of World Cup http://t.co/QJM8ucdHQZ pic.twitter.com/dPU0xtglKU

— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) July 5, 2014

However, the Neymar shock broke the spell soon after the match. In their mind, there is only one burning question: Can Brazil win the World Cup without Neymar?

Head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari of Brazil reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between Brazil and Colombia at Castelao on July 4, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Well, if not impossible, it will be very, very difficult for sure. Brazil have lost its talisman in Neymar. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has no choice but to take it on the chin, but he is going to need a Plan B.