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France goalkeeper Mandanda pulls out of World Cup

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has pulled out of the World Cup for France because of a neck injury.

Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier replaced Mandanda on the roster Sunday.

Ruffier has earned only one cap for France, compared to 16 for Mandanda.

Mandanda lost consciousness in Marseille’s 1-0 win over Guingamp on Saturday after his head collided with the knee of striker Mustapha Yatabare. He was carried off the field on a stretcher and taken to the hospital.

Mandanda suffered a neck sprain and a crack in the first cervical vertebra. He’ll need to wear a neck brace for three weeks.

France opens its World Cup campaign against Honduras on June 15 before facing Switzerland and Ecuador in Group E.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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