The injury to Neymar in Friday's quarterfinals clash with Colombia was a loss for a number of people. It was a loss for Brazilians looking to see their idol lead the team to the final. It was a huge loss for sponsors and advertisers hoping to continue living off Neymar's poster boy status. It was a loss for those dreaming of a Messi vs. Neymar final. But most importantly, the loss left a gaping hole in the superstar's squad, which has been unable to cope without him.

Brazil managed to defeat Colombia without major contributions from Neymar, but many questioned the referee's status in the match as well. That variable is rather unpredictable of course and Brazil cannot count on similar circumstances in its upcoming match against Germany, which is hungry for its first finals berth since 1990. In order for Brazil to clinch a spot in the final, the team will need a huge contribution from other players. Captain Thiago Silva will also be out of the semifinal game after picking up a yellow card, but the team has the likes of Dante to fill in the holes temporarily. Wins come from goals and Brazil desperately needs them from someone not named Neymar (he has four of Brazil's 10 goals thus far). Here are the guys that need to step up in Neymar's stead.

1. Fred
During last year's Confederations Cup, Fred proved doubters wrong by scoring five goals. His performance probably convinced coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to bring him back as the top man for the World Cup as well as leading to the loss of Diego Costa to Spain. What has Fred done to thank his manager for the gesture? Score a single meaningless goal. In fact, he scored a goal that should have been called offside. Fred has been woeful throughout the tournament often disappearing for long stretches at a time. He has not made a difference for Brazil and has made Scolari's offense anemic at best.

What can Fred do to improve his standing? If he is a threat, then Germany is forced to keep its backline closer to its own goal. That forces the German passing game to become more stretched, making it a bit more difficult for the defenders to become active in the attack.

2. Hulk
The winger has been one of the better Brazilians, but he has yet to produce the scoring magic that he so desperate needs in this tournament. His speed and strength down the wing caused Colombia and Chile problems but he will need to raise the bar further in order to take down a disciplined German side. He is not a creative player, but his sheer speed and physicality could be a major asset against a creaky German backline.

3. Oscar
Arguably the most important player on this list. The young Chelsea product was arguably Brazil's top player in the opening match of the World Cup. His visionary passing and creativity was "joga bonita" embodied. Even if the team as a whole failed to convince, Oscar was a guiding force and looked like he would have a breakout tournament. June 12 now seems so far away and Oscar has faded away just as that game has. He has not only failed to replicate that performance but has had no major influence on Brazil's attacking game. He desperately needs a good game against the Germans. Without his play, this team will have to continue relying on luck and physicality. Germany is far bigger than Colombia and more adept to playing that style of game. If Brazil cannot engage in a creative matchup against Germany, then they will surely lose.

4. Jo
Another questionable forward on this team that really needs to prove that he can perform in big moments. Jo has never been a stellar player, making his selection all the more baffling. But he does have size (even if the skill is sorely lacking) and he needs to leverage that height to pressure Germany's aforementioned backline. Who knows if he gets a chance to start, but if he is brought in as a substitute, then he must assert himself and push Germany's line further back.