Emotional Cesar cries in interview after Dutch defeat

“We didn’t react well to the first goal. It was a ball that I had doubts on how to go to the ball with Felipe Melo,” he said.

“I think the feeling is sadness. The locker room collapsed. Our confidence was high. It was a group that rescued the feeling of admiration from the fans towards the Brazilian team. When Brazil gets to a World Cup they are always favourites.

“We lost because we played a second half far from what we know… I’m out in the quarter-finals again. My injury is with me for a long time… I want to continue at the Selecao. This defeat will hurt the players for a long time.”

Cesar also admitted the Netherlands deserved to progress to the World Cup 2010 semi-finals.

“The trust of the Brazilian fans was high. I think football is eleven against eleven and in the second half they deserved the result. Those are things that happen in football. We have to hold our heads high.

“The pressure in Brazil is always big. But it was worth it for the campaign and for getting here. It’s a very sad feeling.”