Once bitten, twice shy

Four years into the faux pas, Cesar rejuvenates Brazil

Belo Horizonte: Four years after making the mistake that led to Brazil's elimination from the World Cup, Julio Cesar came up big.

Cesar made two saves in yesterday's penalty shootout victory and watched Chile's last shot from the spot smack the post, helping save Brazil from a humiliating loss in the second round of the World Cup.

Brazil ended up winning 3-2 on penalties to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the sixth straight time.

Cesar has always admitted that his mistake on a ball crossed into the area four years ago led to the team's 2-1 loss to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals in South Africa, something he said devastated him

This time, there were only tears of joy. "Four years ago I gave a very sad, angry and emotional interview," the goalkeeper said, wiping away tears. "And today I'm doing this again, with happiness. Only God and my family know what I went through and still go through today, but I know that my story is not over with the Selecao."

Cesar was visibly emotional even before the penalty shootout, when teammates came to hug him and wish him well. His eyes appeared to be watering and he seemed to have a hard time staying composed.