Chelsea defender Thiago Silva was not able to add another international title to his illustrious collection on Sunday morning as Brazil were defeated in the Copa America final.
The Blues’ centre-back once again started for the Selecao at the Maracana as they took on great rivals Argentina.
In front of a crowd of approximately 7,000, due to COVID-19 restrictions in South America, Brazil were just not quite able to get over the line.
Ironically, it was Silva’s former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Angel di Maria who decided the tie for Argentina by netting a 22nd-minute goal as he latched onto a delectable long-ball and then lofted his finish over Manchester City’s Ederson.
Chelsea man Silva avoided considerable blame for the goal with left-back Renan Lodi failing to track his man, but the centre-back was soon on hand to produce a useful block to deny di Maria a second.
It was in the end a highly impressive run in the competition from Thiago Silva and indeed Brazil.
He played in five out of seven possible matches of the tournament, only missing out on the first group game against Venezuela, whilst the veteran was also left on the bench for the final group match against Ecuador.
Silva had previously won the competition in 2019 and would have certainly been disappointed to have not claimed another winners’ medal, especially on home turf.
A victory would certainly have topped a highly impressive season for Silva.
He largely caught the eye during his debut campaign as a Chelsea player as Thomas Tuchel’s troops won their second Champions League title.
Whilst Silva has endured anguish on the international stage, there is instead guaranteed to be Chelsea delight following the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium.
Jorginho is set to start in midfield for Roberto Mancini’s Italy, whilst the likes of Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Mason Mount are all in contention for England.
