BRAZIL ace Marcelo broke down in tears tonight after being forced off injured in just the ninth minute against Serbia. The Samba star looked distressed as he hobbled away from the key clash, clutching his leg. 2 Marcelo breaks down in tears as he is forced off the pitch during Brazil's match against Serbia Credit: Getty The Real Madrid full-back looked like he thought his World Cup could be over as he went down the tunnel with medics. He went over to the Brazil bench to tell them he could not continue and was instantly replaced by Atletico Madrid's Felipe Luis. Marcelo then walked to the bench where he remained before heading for treatment from doctors. more from world cup 2018 'i want a girl' England star Kyle Walker's model girlfriend reveals she wants FOURTH baby 2 Marcelo looked anguished as he was helped from the playing field by Brazilian medical staff Credit: Reuters MOST READ IN WORLD CUP 'i want a girl' England star Kyle Walker's model girlfriend reveals she wants FOURTH baby But a statement from Brazil's football association was upbeat. The CBF Tweeted: "The full-back suffered a back spasm while trying to accelerate. "He was treated and he is in good shape. Get well soon, crack [star]!" Marcelo is believed to be in with a chance of returning in time for the Selecao's last 16 clash with Mexico.<doc-sep>Update: It appears that Marcelo suffered back spams and might be ready to play in the next game for Brazil, although these injuries are always tricky and Brazil might decide to play it safe and sit him for a match. Real Madrid left-back Marcelo was forced to leave Brazil’s match against Serbia with what appeared to be a hamstring injury on his right leg. Considering that there are only two weeks left in the tournament, Marcelo’s World Cup might have ended. This is devastating news for Brazil even though they have depth to replace Marcelo. Filipe Luis is an excellent defender but he doesn’t have the creativity on the offensive side which could help Brazil against defensive teams. Brazil are leading 1-0 and appear to be set to win their group. They are one of the candidates to conquer this 2018 FIFA World Cup especially now that Germany were knocked out in the Group Stage. Marcelo could try to recover in time for the Semifinals if Brazil manage to reach that stage, although his injury appeared to be serious enough to keep him out of the rest of the tournament.<doc-sep>No microphone has been detected in the system x You need to give permission for the microphone to be used to be able to use it x Error while trying to use the microphone, the browser may not be compatible x<doc-sep>We’re nearing the end of the group stages in the World Cup. On Wednesday evening, it was time for Brazil to play their last of three group stage matches. Tite’s men had to at least draw to secure their spot in the last 16. If they were to lose against Serbia and Switzerland were to beat Keylor Navas’s Costa Rica, Brazil would be knocked out of this World Cup, just like Germany hours prior. Earlier today we had seen Sweden beat Mexico 3-0 and secure the top spot in group E, while South Korea surprisingly beat Germany 2-0 and made sure that the reigning World Cup champions got knocked out of the World Cup. If Brazil were to beat Serbia in Moscow, then they would meet Mexico, and if they were to end up as the second seed, they would meet Sweden in the last 16. Tite started with both Marcelo and Casemiro against Serbia, but Marcelo had to leave the game with injury. After just seven minutes, the camera spotted the 30-year-old left-back communicate with the Brazil bench. The left back continued to play until Filipe Luís could warm up, before getting substituted around the ten-minute mar. Marcelo needed support to get himself to the locker room, and it didn’t look good for the left-back. The reports say that Marcelo picked up a back injury, but no one knows how serious it is or if he will be available in the last 16 this Tuesday. After 25 minutes, Neymar had the first big chance in the game. The Paris Saint-Germain player received the ball inside the area and finished it off, but a good save from Vladimir Stojkovic thwarted him. Five minutes later it was Gabriel Jesus who got a huge opportunity. The Manchester City striker received a fantastic pass from Neymar but scuffed his chance. Ten minutes before the break, Brazil would get their goal. Coutinho played a fantastic lobbed pass to Paulinho, who dinked the ball over Serbia goalkeeper Stojkovic. From there, Casemiro played an important part in Brazil keeping their lead, especially in the second half. Serbia put Brazil under pressure, and Newcastle striker Aleksandar Mitrović got a couple of good chances to equalize. Brazil got lucky after an hour when Mitrović headed it back in the ground, and Alisson lost the ball — but Thiago Silva helped mop up the mess. Five minutes later it was Mitrović who once again put Alisson to the test, but the 25-year-old goalkeeper saved the header. Three minutes after Mitrović’s header, Brazil got their second goal of the evening. Neymar played a good corner which Thiago Silva headed in. Casemiro continued his good work and defensive contribution, and he solved a couple of difficult situations with good physical work. One of these situations was after around 70 minutes, when he won the ball back from three Serbian players and passed it with his heel to a teammate.<doc-sep>
Marcelo taken off early for Brazil with back spasm in World Cup decider against Serbia The left-back looked in pain after suffering from a back spasm in the opening minutes against Serbia and was replaced by Filipe Luis Brazil star Marcelo was an early casualty for the Selecao as they looked to confirm their place in the World Cup last 16 on Wednesday. The Real Madrid left-back started for his nation against Serbia in a game in which Tite's men need at least a point to guarantee their continuity in Russia. But just 10 minutes in he showed signs of physical discomfort and was forced to leave the field. While he first attempted to continue, his pain was evident, as it quickly became apparent he would not be able to continue in the Group E showdown. Marcelo limped off with the aid of medical personnel, as Tite sent Filipe Luis into the action in a like-for-like substitution. The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed later that Marcelo had suffered a back spasm and was in recovery. Informações sobre Marcelo: Em uma tentativa de arrancada, o lateral teve um espasmo na coluna. Foi medicado e passa bem. Recupera logo, craque! #GigantesPorNatureza — CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) 27 de junio de 2018 "The full-back suffered a back spasm while trying to accelerate," a statement read. Article continues below "He was treated and he is in good shape. Get well soon, crack!" The full-back had previously started both of Brazil's outings at this World Cup, a 1-1 draw against Switzerland and 2-0 victory over Costa Rica. And if the setback causes him to miss further action it would be a big loss for his nation, who also saw first-choice right-back Dani Alves withdraw prior to the tournament.