Brazil striker Neymar was distraught after Friday's 1-2 quarter-final World Cup defeat to Belgium at the Kazan Arena here. Five-time champions Brazil were stunned to find themselves 0-2 down at half-time and unable to rescue the game in the second half, despite substitute Renato Augusto getting a late goal. An own-goal by Fernandinho and a Kevin de Bruyne strike had put Belgian in front.

"This is the saddest moment of my career. the pain is huge because we know that we could have gone far," Neymar, 26, wrote on his Instagram page. "We knew that we had what it takes to go further and to make history, but it was just not to be this time. It is hard to find the strength to return to football again but I am sure that God will give me the strength to face whatever is ahead of me. I'm very happy to be a part of this team and I'm proud of all my teammates. Our dream has been interrupted but it cannot be taken out of our hearts," added Neymar.