In this handout, Brazil's Neymar is seen inside a medical helicopter at the Granja Comary training center, on July 05 in Teresopolis, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

Brazil forward Neymar says his dream of being a world champion is not over despite being ruled out of the rest of the World Cup because of a back injury.

The 22-year-old fractured a vertebra in his spine after being kneed in the back by Juan Zuniga during Brazil's 2-1 quarter-final victory over Colombia.

The Barcelona player said his dream was "interrupted... but it continues".

He added: "I'm certain my team-mates will do everything so my dream, which is to be a champion, comes true."

The hosts' victory over Colombia set up a semi-final clash with Germany, but their progression was marred by Neymar's injury.

Neymar, speaking in a video released by the Brazilian Soccer Federation, added: "My dream was also to play in a World Cup final, but this time it didn't work out.

"I am sure they will win this Cup and be champions, and I will be with them, and all Brazilians will soon be celebrating all of that.

"It's a very difficult moment, I have no words to translate what is going through my head and my heart. I'd just like to say I will be back as quickly as possible; when you least expect it, I'll be back."

Brazil's team doctor Jose Luiz Runco said there are no neurological issues and no permanent issues that may lead to future complications.

"The only thing he needs is time for the fracture to consolidate, after which he will return to the pitch," Runco said.

The Brazil playmaker, 22, left the field in tears on a stretcher in the closing stages after taking a knee in the back from Zuniga, who has since apologised for the challenge.

He left the stadium on a drip, with another Brazil doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, saying he had sustained a fractured vertebra that will end his World Cup.

Combination of pictures showing Colombia's defender Juan Camilo Zuniga (L) challenging Brazil's forward Neymar (down) and Brazilian defender Marcelo (R) shouting for help during the quarter-final football match between Brazil and Colombia at the Castelao Stadium in Fortaleza, Brazil on July 4. Photo: Getty Images

Fifa's disciplinary committee could take action against Zuniga for the challenge, while coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said Neymar had been "hunted" for three matches.

Crowds gathered outside Sao Carlos Hospital in Fortaleza, where he was treated before flying back to Rio with his team-mates on Friday night. He was then taken by ambulance to the team's training camp in the mountain city of Teresopolis.

Footage released by the Brazilian FA shows Neymar in a wheelchair on the tarmac at Rio airport with his emotional team-mates giving him their best wishes. He left Brazil's camp by helicopter on Saturday.

Brazil president Dilma Rousseff tweeted a message of support on Saturday and also sent a letter to the national football team, stating how the entire country is following their campaign.

Neymar of Brazil keeps his eye on the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between between Brazil and Colombia at Arena Castelao on July 4, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil. Photo: Getty Images

She said:  "Your painful expression yesterday on the pitch at the Castelao [stadium] wounded my heart, along with that of all Brazilians.

"But what we saw was the extraordinary force of a great warrior who, even injured, will not allow himself to be disheartened."

During half-time of Argentina's quarter-final win over Belgium in Brasilia, Brazilian TV interrupted coverage of the game to beam live pictures of Neymar leaving the Brazil camp north of Rio by helicopter.

Headlines in Brazil's Saturday newspapers focused on the injury rather than the victory over Colombia.

"A beating for Brazil," O Globo's  sports section said. "Is it possible without him?" Folha de S. Paulo  asked.

The Barcelona forward featured in all five of Brazil's matches at the 2014 Fifa World Cup so far and is their top scorer with four goals.

Brazil legend Pele believes the Selecao can still win the World Cup for a record-extending sixth time, pointing to his own experience in 1962.

He said on Twitter: "Neymar was raised in my Santos FC and it hurts our hearts to know that he can no longer defend Brazil in the World Cup.

"I was also injured during the 1962 World Cup in Chile, and I was out for the rest of the tournament, but God helped Brazil continue on to win the championship."

Former Brazil players Roberto Carlos, Kaka and Gilberto Silva have also sent supportive messages, along with some of his current team-mates.

Captain Thiago Silva urged Brazil's players to win the World Cup for Neymar.

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo, who said Zuniga meant to hurt the forward, revealed he had also sent a message of support to Neymar, saying the country would dedicate a World Cup win to him.

"He has suffered a very heavy blow and I told him the whole country is proud of him, and that every effort will be made to win the World Cup in Brazil and dedicate it to him," he said.

After Argentina's quarter-final win over Belgium, coach Alejandro Sabella said he "shed tears with Neymar", and that he "sends him a hug and wishes him a speedy recovery".