Football
ESPN staff 10y

Julio Cesar delighted to play hero

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar revelled in his moment of redemption as his penalty shootout heroics helped his side defeat Chile in the World Cup round of 16.

- Brewin: All hail Cesar
- Social reaction to Brazil's win
- Sampaoli: Chile have written football history
- Scolari: Brazil can't be polite anymore
- Brewin: Hulk revels in supporting act

Cesar made an error during Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Netherlands in the quarterfinals at the 2010 tournament and there had been doubts over his inclusion in Luiz Felipe Scolari's side this time around.

However, the 34-year-old, who joined MLS side Toronto FC in February after being frozen out at Queens Park Rangers, helped his country to a 3-2 shootout win over Chile as he saved spot kicks from Mauricio Pinilla and Alexis Sanchez.

"I'm very, very happy," he said. "We all needed this. I hope in the next matches, things won't be decided by penalties, otherwise our family members and relatives might have a heart attack!

"Many people were challenging my selection for the World Cup. I was trained well and want to thank the technical staff for everything they've been doing for me. They provided me with a calm and secure environment so that I could do my job."

Reflecting on his error in South Africa, when he failed to deal with a Wesley Sneijder free kick after colliding with teammate Felipe Melo, he said: "Being labelled a villain is very bad. For four years, I've had to find my psychological balance and I got the support of my family members.

"This match has proven that if you have a dream that you want to go after, just go after it! We haven't achieved anything yet, but this match provides me with the strength that allows me to go into the next match and help my teammates. I apologise if I talk too much, but I have to celebrate four years in progress.

"I was crying because several teammates came to me and told me beautiful things and I couldn't handle it. I thank each and every one of them for giving me that strength."

The former Inter Milan goalkeeper, who won the Copa America with Brazil a decade ago, is now determined to help the Selecao to World Cup glory.

"What will crown this will be to kiss and hold the cup together with millions of Brazilians," he said. "The marriage to Susana [in 2002], the birth of my children -- in my heart, there is room for all of those moments.

"The moment today is special due to what happened in the last World Cup. I'd like to dedicate this to my father, my mum, my wife and children, the technical staff and 200 million Brazilians."

^ Back to Top ^