Football: Brazil fans thrilled over Cup progress

Francieli McWilliams says the loss of Brazil's golden player is concerning. Photo / Doug Sherring

New Zealand-based Brazil fans are thrilled their team is through to the Fifa World Cup semifinals — but their joy is tempered slightly by the loss of key player Neymar.

Image 1 of 7: Brazilian fans are in good voice ahead of their team's quarter-final against Colombia in Fortaleza. Photo / Getty Images

Soccer fans crowded into Santos cafe in Auckland to celebrate the march of the Brazil host nation though a broken vertebra from a knee to the back by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga has ruled four-goal striker Neymar out of the competition.

Watch: Video: Brazil into semi-finals

Supporter Francieli McWilliams (pictured) said it was a worry to lose Brazil's golden player.

"But we believe in our players and we have faith. [Neymar] is a big loss but they can do it without him," she said.

Fans formed a colourful array of greens, yellows, blues and reds as they leapt up and down from their seats in the Ponsonby cafe. Even the Colombian fans had a good time.

View: Photo gallery: Brazil vs Colombia

"I think soccer is pretty much the only thing we all agree on as a country so we all like it. When the team plays, we are all in the same place watching together," said Colombian supporter Jose Tellez.

Brazil will play Germany in the semifinals on Tuesday.