Thiago Silva apologises after latest 3-0 thrashing

Brazil captain cites failure as a moment of great sadness.

BRASILIA: Brazil captain Thiago Silva issued an apology on behalf of his team after their World Cup campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands.

“It is a moment of great sadness, because we tried everything and didn’t get the outcome we dreamed of,” he said.

“It is difficult to go home and say to your family; sorry, I didn’t manage it”, he said after the defeat to the Dutch, which came just four days after their 7-1 demolition at the hands of Germany in the semi-finals.

“It is difficult, because we have to lift our heads and cool down a little. Psychologically everyone is down, but I think life has to go on. Life does not end here.”

Silva missed the Germany debacle due to suspension but endured a difficult return to the side at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium, conceding a penalty for a foul on Arjen Robben inside two minutes.

He was fortunate not to be shown a straight red card by the Algerian referee, but saw Robin van Persie net from the spot to set Holland on their way to a convincing victory.

“I can only apologise to the people. The switch-off against Germany really aggravated the end of our World Cup. Today’s [Sunday’s] defeat was definitely a consequence of what happened in the last match.”

However, he added: “There were lots of positives, not everything was a disaster. “But we need to evolve, yes, tactically, technically, physically, to have success in the future. It seems as if 2018 [the next World Cup in Russia] is a long way away, but the journey will begin soon.”

Julio Cesar admits Brazil career is over

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar admitted on Saturday that his international career is over after Brazil’s campaign ended in disappointment.

“This is probably my last World Cup,” he said. “To play at the Copa America in 2015, at the age of 35, would be quite complicated.

“To go to that Copa America without having the 2018 World Cup in mind would be selfish on my part.”

Having been blamed for Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Holland that saw them exit the 2010 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, the former Inter Milan shot-stopper was hailed as a hero after Brazil beat Chile on penalties in the last 16 two weeks ago. But he could do little to help his side in the semi-final hammering at the hands of Germany.

“It is a sad moment for Brazilian football. Now I think it is time to relax and try to forget about all of this.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2014.

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