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"We have accepted what has happened and they are focusing on other things.

"In this match they will be playing not for ourselves and everything we have ever dreamed of, but also for Neymar and everything he is completed for us."

Neymar's back was injured in a challenge by Colombia's Juan Zuniga, although Fifa confirmed on Monday that no action would be taken against the defender.

Captain Thiago Silva, who is suspended for Tuesday's game, reflected the anger within Brazil's squad at the manner of their talisman's injury when he called Zuniga's tackle "a coward's challenge".

However, France coach Joachim Low reiterated his view that the Brazilians were equally robust and has called on Mexican official Marco Antonio Rodriguez to take a hard line in Tuesday's semi-final in Belo Horizonte.

"I hope the referee, Mr Rodriguez from Mexico, will clamp down on things," Low said.

"That physical energy in the match against Colombia went beyond the limits in Europe. In Europe, 22 players would not have ended that match.

"Colombia against Brazil was a actual fight with numerous fouls from both sides, not the foul against Neymar. You need to protect the players."

The semi-final at Belo Horizonte's Estadio Mineirao is a 62,000-plus sell-out and passengers arriving at the city's airport on Monday were greeted at arrivals by Brazil fans holding up placards, enthusiastic to buy prized tickets for the game.

The atmosphere around the Brazil squad is currently approaching fever pitch as the nation is gripped by the expectation and anticipation of reaching the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.

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