Brazil captain Thiago Silva issued an apology on behalf the Selecao after their disastrous FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in Saturday’s third-place playoff in Brasilia.
“It is a moment of great sadness, because we tried everything and didn’t get the outcome we dreamed of. It is difficult to go home and say to your family: ‘Sorry, I didn’t manage it,’” he said after the defeat to the Oranje, which came just four days after the hosts’ 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,” the Brazil skipper said.
Silva missed the Germany debacle due to suspension, but endured a difficult return to the side at the Stadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, conceding a penalty for a foul on Netherlands striker Arjen Robben inside two minutes.
He was fortunate not to be shown a straight red card by the Algerian referee, but had to watch Robin van Persie net from the spot to set the Netherlands on their way to a convincing victory.
“I can only apologize to the people. The switch-off against Germany really aggravated the end of our World Cup. Today’s [Saturday’s] defeat was definitely a consequence of what happened in the last match,” Silva said.
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.”
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