Julio Cesar Injured During Brazil Friendly With Zimbabwe

Bad news for all Brazil fans as goalkeeper Julio Cesar was taken off injured in the first half of their comfortable 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe in a World Cup warm-up match in Harare.

He went off after 26 minutes pointing to his chest allowing Heurelho Gomes to make his fifth international appearance.

Julio Cesar had been called into action to deny a double chance for Zimbabwe captain and striker Benjani Mwaruwari and Ovidy Karuru. Soon after that he indicated his discomfort to the bench and asked to come off.

Brazil doctor Jose Luis Runco said the Inter Milan player, rated one of the world’s top goalkeepers, had been taken off as a precaution after hurting his back but would have to be examined.