Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar said he starts the World Cup at home a lot more prepared than he was four years ago, when his mistake played a part in the team's elimination in South Africa.
He conceded that he took things for granted before the 2010 tournament, when he arrived considered the world's top goalkeeper.
"I became a better professional after the 2010 World Cup," Cesar said at Brazil's training center in Teresopolis, outside Rio de Janeiro. "When things are going your way, you end up relaxing a little bit more. I was very confident in 2010 because of everything that had happened until then, and I think that too much confidence can hurt. Now I can say that from personal experience."
The 34-year-old Cesar said his preparations were not affected by playing in Major League Soccer instead of a more established league. Cesar conceded nine goals in seven matches with Toronto FC in the run-up to the World Cup, but said he was able to take advantage of the time he spent in MLS.
"My preparations were excellent. I feel I'm 100 percent ready for the World Cup," Cesar said. "Toronto were the only team that opened their doors for me. I talked to several clubs, including in Brazil, and the negotiations were not successful, many times because of the salaries here. But I knew I had to be playing so I could arrive well psychologically. It would have been hard if I hadn't been playing anywhere."
Cesar failed to clear a cross during Brazil's quarter-final against the Netherlands in 2010. That led to the tying goal for the Dutch, which eventually went on to win 2-1. Cesar said he thought about quitting soccer at the time, and things only got worse after he faced problems both at Inter Milan and then at Queens Park Rangers, where he was sidelined and played sparingly.
"During bad times you have to try to find some positive things, and I did. ... I needed to find a lot of strength to come back," Cesar said.
Although Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari committed to Cesar as the World Cup starter a long time ago, many still consider the goalkeeper the weakest link in Brazil's squad, especially because of his lack of play in recent months.
"I don't think there is pressure," he said. "I know many people are questioning me and why I was selected, but the coaches have the confidence in my game, and I know that I can add a lot to this group."
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