• Source:JND
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Brazil's star striker Neymar suffered a massive blow in the World Cup qualifying clash against Uruguay at Centenario Stadium as he was stretchered off from the field in tears with injury on his left knee.

Brazil suffered a 2-0 loss in the match as Darwin Nunez and Nicolas de la Cruz scored to give Uruguay three points.

The incident happened in the 44th minute of the first half when Neymar stumbled and fell on the field holding his left knee. He was surrounded by both team players as support staff took him off the field on a stretcher.

Neymar's injury puts his participation in limbo for Al Hilal's AFC Champions League match against Mumbai City FC at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on November 6. After the match, he was seen leaving the stadium with the help of crutches.

Brazil FA sources said the forward had sustained a severe left knee sprain and that he would undergo tests to determine if there was ligament damage.

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"Let's hope it's nothing serious," Brazil captain Casemiro told Globo television.

"He's an important player for us, we're very fond of him. He's been suffering a lot from injuries and when he starts to pick up the pace he gets injured again."

Brazil had much of the possession in a dour first half but had nothing to show for it, and Uruguay took the lead with the first shot at goal in the match.

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Maxi Araujo received a quick throw-in and got in behind Brazil defender Marquinhos before crossing for Nunez to score.

Uruguay remained on top after the break and De la Cruz extended the hosts' lead with a close range effort in the 77th minute, with Nunez providing the assist after winning a challenge against two Brazilian defenders inside the box.

It was Uruguay's first win over Brazil since 2001.

Brazil ended the match with no shots on target and suffered their first defeat in a World Cup qualifier since 2015 after going 37 games unbeaten.

The victory lifted Uruguay to second in the CONMEBOL standings on seven points, level with Brazil and Venezuela, who beat Chile 3-0 earlier on Tuesday.

Paraguay earned their first win in the South American qualifiers as they beat bottom side Bolivia 1-0 in Asuncion while Ecuador were held 0-0 by Colombia.

Argentina defeated Peru 2-0 to take the top spot in the CONMEBOL standings.

(With inputs from Reuters)