Julio Cesar ready for Brazil mission

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar will reclaim his position for the five-time champions when they open their World Cup campaign, despite missing Monday’s final warm-up romp over Tanzania.

Tottenham’s Heurelho Gomes stepped in for the 5-1 win in Dar Es Salaam after Cesar had to go off in last week’s 3-0 win over Zimbabwe with a back problem.

Since then the Inter Milan goalkeeper has been undergoing physiotherapy and swimming sessions at the team’s Hotel Fairway headquarters outside Johannesburg and working with goalkeeping coach Wendell Ramalho.

But coach Dunga made it clear Tuesday that Julio Cesar is his first choice for next Tuesday’s Group G opener against North Korea. They later face Portugal and Ivory Coast.