4 years after mistake, Cesar keeps Brazil alive

Brazil’s goalkeeper Julio Cesar, top, is congratulated by his teammates after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Chile at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Saturday, June 28, 2014. AP

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil — 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 the penalty shootout and watched Chile’s last shot from the spot smack the post, helping save Brazil from a humiliating elimination in the second round of the World Cup.

Brazil won 3-2 on penalties Saturday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the sixth straight time.

The goalkeeper 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.

This time, there were only tears of joy.

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