Sells Goalkeeping Academy ambassador Heurelho Gomes could be in line for a World Cup start for Brazil in their opening match against North Korea – but admits he would prefer it if Inter’s Champions League winner Julio Cesar was fit.

Cesar picked up an injury in Brazil’s penultimate warm-up match against Zimbabwe and the shot-stopper is now touch and go for the opening fixture.

And although he is ready to pull on the gloves if needed, the Tottenham goalkeeper understands that Cesar has earned the opportunity to play.

"I hope I'm not needed because Julio deserves to play a World Cup," Gomes said. 

"Julio is the best 'keeper in the world, thanks to what he has done and thanks to what he has won. There are a lot of good goalkeepers, but not all of them win major competitions. 

"I'm experienced enough to understand that Julio is number one but, if I'm needed, I'm ready. I don't consider myself to be in his shadow and people who follow me know what I have done for this opportunity. It's just part of my job, nothing special. 

"Nobody thought I would play these two friendlies but I was ready to come in at these moments."