Thiago: We're no crybabies
Thiago Silva has hit out at criticism of himself and teammates for crying before the Selecao’s penalty shootout victory against Chile last Saturday.
Neymar, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Silva shed tears as the team prepared for the shootout, which Brazil won 3-2.
“I think we are good psychologically. We are doing what we love to do,” the Paris Saint-Germain defender said during a press conference on Thursday.
“There was a lot of pressure to win that match and we knew we had to give all we had, but when you do things with a lot of will and desire there is no way to not be emotional.”
Brazilian superstar Neymar cries after beating Chile on penalties. He was also crying during the national anthem before the match against Mexico. Photo: AFP
The reaction of Brazil’s players during the round of 16 match has been widely criticised by Brazilian football pundits and even former Selecao players.
Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning captain Cafu said only Cesar. who saved two penalties, could be excused for shedding tears.
Many blamed the goalkeeper for Brazil’s World Cup quarterfinal exit in 2010.
Said Cafu: “The tears of Julio Cesar were acceptable because it was a particularly emotional moment for him. But apart from that there has to be less crying.
"The team has to forget about crying and think only about playing football.”
Silva denied the outpouring of emotion had negatively affected the team.
Natural
The 29-year-old central defender said. “This is the way I am, I am very emotional and this a very natural thing. This doesn’t affect me at any time on the pitch.
“I have overcome difficult moments. I had tuberculosis and had my life at risk, but I am a champion on and off the pitch and I show maturity and respect.”
Source: Xinhua
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