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"People said I was going to play in a Mickey Mouse league," Cesar said. "But I can say that the US league in the past few years has passed that of Brazil in terms of attendance - for my first game we had 45,000 people in the stadium. The US league is enjoying huge growth. I conceded nine goals (in seven games) so that was very annoying."

The Brazil No.1 has received criticism for his choice to join TFC on loan ahead of the World Cup, but he said that the experience was a positive one.
When the World Cup kicks off in Brazil next month, all eyes will be on host nation Brazil and its star-studded lineup.

One of the most important of those stars, goalkeeper Julio Cesar, has headed to Brazilian training camp directly from a loan stint with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer, a decision that wasn't without controversy. Critics pointed to MLS' perceived low standard in world soccer as reason to keep the 34-year-old off Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil side, but the player has been vocal in his disagreement.

"When you receive criticism, you have to learn how to separate what is bad from what is constructive," the 'keeper told reporters in Brazil on Tuesday. "That's what I do when I listen to some journalists criticizing me being here. It's hard to work that inside of you, but the important thing is to take from that what will serve you.

"Before you go out criticizing something, [do] a little research. In the United States, of course you talk about NFL and NBA, but the MLS deserves a lot of respect for what they've been doing as well."

Julio Cesar played a total of seven league matches for TFC before jetting off to his native country for pre-World Cup training camp, winning three games and posting a 1.29 goals against average. He says that the Canadian club gave him the proper opportunity to get sharp ahead of the biggest tournament on the planet.

"It was an excellent preparation," the former Inter Milan shot stopper said. "The club has a great structure. About the technical level, I don't think there's much different when you're a goalkeeper. I'm there to get the balls, and I leave very upset for having suffered many goals.

"For [a] keeper, there's not really a big difference. For other positions, maybe."

Despite leaving Toronto with a losing record, Julio Cesar still credits the club for allowing him to get games in after joining it on loan from English club Queens Park Rangers. While the level of play in MLS may not be the best in the world, he says, it still sufficed for his needs, especially where the training was concerned.

"Their goalkeeper coach is the best I've ever had," he said of TFC's Stewart Kerr, who played for Scottish giant Celtic in the 90s before getting into coaching. "I'm well prepared, I feel focused and ready."

Even though he felt positive about his time with Toronto, the Brazil No. 1 says he's still not secure in his starting position. This despite assurances from Scolari that he'll be manning the goal when the World Cup starts.

Jugs wrote:first game is at 6am so definitely marathon drinking session is on the cards.

Ted Lasso wrote:

Jugs wrote:first game is at 6am so definitely marathon drinking session is on the cards.

Where do you live?

Left Side Drive wrote:4pm weekday kick off is probably the worst kick off time for me. And checking the schedule many games are that time. ;(

Looks like I have to not check the score and wait until primetime but that's gonna be a difficult task.

Cruzeirao wrote:I have tickets for the game thursday (and, of course, i'm going).

After the game i post some pictures here.

Go BRASIL!!!!!

MaliBrah wrote:is mandzukic suspended for 1 or 2 games?

LittleOzzy wrote:Julio Cesar saying some good things about MLS on the FIFA site for the world to see.

"People said I was going to play in a Mickey Mouse league," Cesar said. "But I can say that the US league in the past few years has passed that of Brazil in terms of attendance - for my first game we had 45,000 people in the stadium. The US league is enjoying huge growth. I conceded nine goals (in seven games) so that was very annoying."

Nice to see him promoting the league.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=201 ... 45150.html