Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar is a doubt for their World Cup opener with North Korea.

The Inter Milan star suffered a back problem in their recent warm-up victory over Zimbabwe in Harare and had to be replaced by Heurelho Gomes for their friendly with Tanzania.

Coach Dunga will be keen for Cesar to recover quickly but will not want to take any unnecessary risks, especially with games against Portugal and Ivory Coast coming up.

Cesar, rated as one of the best keepers in the world at the moment, will be hoping to add World Cup glory to his treble-winning exploits for his club last season.

He was one of three Brazilians that won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League for Inter Milan.

And many believe Cesar’s save against Lionel Messi in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona was the turning point for Inter in their 3-2 aggregate triumph.

It was arguably the best save of last season and underlined his ability to produce match-winning moments on the big occasion.

His understudy Gomes enjoyed a fine campaign after an unsure start to his Tottenham career, helping Harry Redknapp’s side clinch a top-four place.