Brazil heaved a big sigh of relief Sunday after goalkeeper Julio Cesar kept their dreams of a sixth World Cup title alive the previous day.

“Julio Cesar saves Brazil,” screamed the front page headline of the O Globo daily, with the sports page headline “Saviour Julio Cesar, the star of Felipao.” They escaped from a resilient Chile 3-2 on penalties in Belo Horizonte on Saturday, thanks to two saves from Cesar to reach the quarter-finals.

“The dream of the Hexa (a sixth title) continues. The fear of a Mineiraco (a defeat similar to that in the deciding 1950 game) was ended in an explosion of joy which spread from Belo Horizonte across the whole country. Historic!” Lance said.

The media in Chile was naturally disappointed, but also proud of their team’s big fight. “Chile fought like a giant,” said Radio Cooperativa, while El Mercurio noted that “Brazil needed a penalty shoot-out to eliminate the giant Chile out of its World Cup.” Elsewhere, it was duly noted that Scolari’s team will need to step up its efforts if it really wants to lift the trophy on July 13.

“Brazil lacks master class. The favourite wins on penalties but it wasn’t masterful,” Denmark’s Ekstra Bladet said. Germany’s Sueddeutsche Zeitung did not only mention Cesar’s heroics but also the last spot kick from Chile against the post, headlining: “The post keeps the dream alive.” In England, Cesar’s Premier League days at Queens Park Rangers were not forgotten.

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