Thiago Silva tears into critics over tears

Thiago Silva

Fortaleza (Brazil), July 4 Brazil captain Thiago Silva has hit out at critics for disapproving his and his teammates crying before the Selecao's penalty shootout victory against Chile Saturday.

Neymar, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Silva shed tears as the team prepared for the shootout, which Brazil won 3-2, reports Xinhua.

"I think we are good psychologically. We are doing what we love to do," the Paris Saint-Germain defender told reporters 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."

The reaction of Brazil's players during the round of 16 match has been widely criticized by Brazilian football pundits and even former Selecao players.

Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning captain Cafu said only Cesar could be excused for shedding tears, having been blamed by many for Brazil's World Cup quarterfinal exit in 2010.

"The tears of Julio Cesar were acceptable because it was a particularly emotional moment for him," Cafu said.

"But apart from that there has to be less crying. The team has to forget about crying and think only about playing football."

Brazil's players have worked closely with a sports psychologist before and during the World Cup.

Silva denied the outpouring of emotion had negatively affected the team.

"When those things are said we have to look away," the 29-year-old central defender said. "I just need to think about my job. This is the way I am, I am very emotional and that's very natural. This doesn't affect me at any time on the pitch.

"I don't think the emotion makes anything more difficult. 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."