RAFAEL DA SILVA: BRAZIL CAREER PROBED

Rafael da Silva played his fair share of games for Brazil at junior level and senior level. The former Manchester United and Lyon right-back represented his country 21 times at all starting with the u-17 team. Rafael da Silva didn't score for the Brazil u-17 team in his 12 appearances. All his games for the Brazil u-17 team were played in 2007. He was part of the Brazil team that flopped at the 2007 edition of the u-17 FIFA World Cup in South Korea where the South Americans crashed out at the round of 16 stage courtesy the 1-0 defeat to African nation Ghana. Isaac Donkor scored in the 51st minute to knock Rafael and his colleagues out of the tournament in South Korea.

The right-back was approached by Portugal head coach Carlos Queiroz and he could have easily played for them with his dual citizenship. Rafael da Silva and his twin brother Fabio da Silva were eligible to play for both Brazil and Portugal. While Rafael was interested in turning out for Portugal if Brazil national team officials shun him, Fabio wanted Brazil or nothing for his international career.

Rafael was invited to the Brazil national team camp by Mano Menezes ahead of the international friendly with the United States in August 2010 but he was not given playing time for the game. He returned to the Brazil national team fold for the friendlies in May and June 2012 as a replacement for the injured Dani Alves.

Danilo was given the nod at right-back ahead of Rafael da Silva for the friendly game against Denmark on May 26, 2012. He would come on as a substitute during the game for his international debut.

Rafael also represented Brazil at the London 2012 Olympic Games. In total, he scored once in seven Brazil u-23 games.