Not only is Toronto FC goalkeeper Júlio César heading to play a World Cup in his home country, he will now be one of four men tasked with leading Brazil on the field as the Seleção attempt to lift the trophy in front of their expectant fans.
Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe "Felipão" Scolari, speaking as a panelist on "Soccer and Psychology" at the Universidad São Judas in São Paulo, revealed Júlio César one of his four captains ahead of the 2014 World Cup, set to kick off on June 12.
The 34-year-old, who signed with the Reds on loan from England's Queen's Park Rangers prior to the start of the 2014 season, will join Chelsea defender David Luiz and Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva, as well as Brazil-based striker Fred (Fluminense) as Scolari's four captains for the tournament.
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Júlio César has started all six of Toronto's games to date, with two clean sheets and a 1.17 goals-against average so far in his MLS career. He will be joined at the World Cup by at least one teammate, US international midfielder Michael Bradley, and possibly forward Jermain Defoe, should he be selected for England's squad.
Scolari also named four other players to his World Cup squad: Chelsea trio Oscar, Ramires and Willian, all midfielders, as well as Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho.
