After saving two spot-kicks to help Brazil defeat Chile 3-2 on penalties to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup former Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar was visible moved as he described his the pressure such enormous expectation has on the Selecao squad.
The 34-year-olds place as number one had been questioned after a difficult couple of years with Premier League side Queens Park Rangers had left him short of playing time, and he thanked his family for their support during that time.
“We expected a tough game and had a good first-half where we played well,” an emotional Cesar told Brazilian TV.
“After the match ended with a draw we were faced with difficulties.
“It is complicated, we play at home and the pressure is enormous, I thank my teammates.
“I’m excited, moved, but we are also happy.
“Only God and my family can know what I went through and what I’m going through today, it went well but they gave me a lot of strength.
“I was crying in desperation four years ago, but now I cry tears of joy.
“Now there are lots of games left to play, but we dream of celebrating.”
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
