Former Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar has leapt to the defence of Alisson Becker after hearing the criticism that has come the way of the Liverpool star for his role in Brazil's World Cup exit.
The Selecao were eliminated from the tournament in Qatar at the quarter-final stage, having drawn 1-1 with Croatia after 120 minutes of action before losing 4-2 on penalties. Alisson was unable to keep out any of the spot-kicks he faced as his country suffered a surprise early exit.
Prior to this match, the Reds' No.1 was largely untested in group stage matches against Switzerland and Serbia and was effective when called upon versus South Korea in the Round of 16. Some supporters were left disappointed regardless, however, after feeling the 30-year-old could have performed to a greater level against Croatia.
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Adamant that such comments that have been directed towards the ex-Roma shot-stopper are not a fair reflection of his efforts between the sticks, Cesar told Globo Esporte : “I think that, as a whole, Alisson had a nice World Cup. In the first two games he wasn’t tested much, there were almost no shots on goal, in the third game Ederson came in and against Korea he had a great game. The saves against Korea only showed why he was wearing the number one shirt for the national team, why he is Tite’s number one. No one had any doubts as to why he was starting."
“Against Croatia, he had few participations during the game: a single shot on goal, a deflected ball and Alisson was unable to save. I think because he’s out of the game, that’s bad for a goalkeeper. Obviously, in all defeats there will be criticism. Alisson was once considered the best goalkeeper in the world; today he is top-three without a doubt," added the retired keeper, who made 87 caps for Brazil during his career.
“When things don’t turn out positively, criticism happens. Every time you show how good you are, the charge only increases. Unfortunately on penalties he didn’t succeed, it’s the details that decide and the Croatians were more effective than us.”
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