Criticised after Brazil bowed out of the 2010 World Cup, Julio Cesar broke down in tears as he was toasted as a nation's saviour after the hosts scraped past Chile to reach the quarter-finals.
The Toronto FC goalkeeper saved penalties from Mauricio Pinilla and Alexis Sanchez to set Brazil up for a 3-2 shoot-out win.
"A lot of questions were asked when I was called up," Julio Cesar, 34, said. "I prepared myself well physically and psychologically and I want to thank the staff and my team-mates for having confidence in me.
"It was difficult to come out of the 2010 World Cup labelled as a villain but I have always had their backing.
"I have experienced some great joys in my career but this is special after 2010."