The PSG man was heavily criticised for his perceived lack of leadership four years ago, but is now playing a key role with the Selecao in Russia
ANALYSIS - Raisa Simplicio & Rupert Fryer
Thiago Silva sat alone, perched on a solitary ball, unable to look, overcome with emotion.
As his team-mates prepared for their penalty shootout with Chile, the tension proved too much for their captain in Belo Horizonte that afternoon.
The Selecao came through the Round of 16 clash thanks to Neymar’s penalty, edging one step closer to the promised land, to avenging the Maracanazo of 1950 by securing a long-awaited world title on home soil.