Notwithstanding the loss of their biggest star Neymar, Brazil is working to find ways to stay positive about its prospects at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

When the medical helicopter flew Neymar home with a back injury, it also carried with it, a lot of Brazil's hopes for winning the world title. Nevertheless, the tournament is far from being over and Brazil is only a couple days away from an arduous semifinal against Germany.

In a recent interview, Brazil defender David Luiz observed, "We have to try to be mature in a moment like this," adding, "We are sad because we are missing an important player and someone who was trying to fulfill his dream of winning this title."

A key attraction of this year's tournament, Neymar, had been spearheading Brazil's campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and has also been a strong contender for the Golden Boot, until he sustained a devastating injury late in the team's quarterfinal game against Colombia on Friday, which the former won 2-1.

According to Jose Luiz Runco, the Brazil team doctor, the incident "shocked and saddened" the players, more so because the injury has forced Neymar to miss the remaining games of this World Cup.

Neymar's co-striker Fred said, "It's sad because we know how hard he worked to be here with us," adding, "We know how important he was for us. But we have to look at our group and realize that it still has a lot of quality."

While everyone is aware that replacing Neymar will not be easy, because Brazil prospered when this youthful footballer played well, and struggled when he failed on the field. It will be difficult for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to find a suitable replacement for Neymar and remain in contention for the world title.

While it is still uncertain as to who will replace the 22-year-old star, perhaps it would be best for Brazil to draw inspiration from its past. In fact, this is not the first time that Brazil has lost its best player due to injury during the World Cup. Earlier, it happened to Pele, but Brazil still won the title.

FIFA World Cup 2014 Fixtures

Semifinals

Tuesday, July 8 (4:00 p.m. E.T.)

Germany vs. Brazil at Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte (ESPN)

Wednesday, July 9 (4:00 p.m.)

Argentina vs. Netherlands at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo (ESPN)

Third-Place Game

Saturday, July 12 (4:00 p.m.)

Semifinal losers at Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia (ESPN)

Final

Sunday, July 13 (4:00 p.m.)

Semifinal winners at Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro (ABC)