PICS | Ouch! Neymar in tears as Serbia does a number on Brazil star's ankle

Brazil started their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Serbia 2-0 thanks to a Richarlison brace in what was a hard-fought encounter at the Lusial Stadium on Thursday.

Despite winning their opening group game, a stain was put on the result as star player Neymar had to be taken off with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Neymar was on the receiving end of multiple fouls throughout the match and picked up an ankle problem following a challenge by Nikola Milenkovic. The 30-year-old carried on playing but was eventually withdrawn and replaced by Antony in the 80th minute. 

The Paris Saint-Germain forward looked distraught on the bench as he was being consoled by teammates.

The severity of the injury is unknown, but the Brazilians will hope that it's not a repeat of the 2014 World Cup where Neymar was injured in the quarter finals, ruling him out for the rest of that tournament.

Brazil are back in action on Monday against Switzerland at 18:00 (SA time).

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