International Career
In 2007, Rafael played for Brazil's national under-17 team in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was approached by Portuguese national coach Carlos Queiroz and asked to play for Portugal's senior side, as both Rafael and Fábio hold Portuguese citizenship. Rafael indicated a willingness to take Queiroz up on his offer if he did not end up playing for Brazil, while Fábio remained set on playing for Brazil. On 26 July 2010, Rafael was called up to the Brazilian senior team for the first time, as he was included in new coach Mano Menezes' first squad for their friendly against the United States on 10 August.
Rafael was originally left out of the Brazil squad for their friendlies in May and June 2012, but was later called up to replace the injured Daniel Alves. Danilo was selected ahead of Rafael for the game against Denmark on 26 May, but he did eventually come on as a substitute to make his senior international debut. On 26 July 2012, Rafael scored Brazil Under-23's first goal of the Olympics in a 3–2 victory over Egypt.
Read more about this topic: Rafael Pereira Da Silva (footballer Born 1990)
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