All the talk concerning the friendly has been of Ronaldo’s final game for the Seleção, but for the other players it is the last chance to make their case for a place in the squad for next month’s Copa America. Julio Cesar of Internazionale would normally be first choice in goal, but has been released from the squad to rest.
Menezes has confirmed Victor will replace Cesar in goal, and the 28-year-old wants to take his chance. “The game is only festive for Ronaldo,” he told reporters in Brazil. “For all the rest of us it’s crucial because we’re competing for places at the Copa America. I have to seize the moment and grasp this opportunity.
“I must do everything possible to cement my place in the Seleção,” concluded Victor, who will win his fifth cap against Romania. He was called up for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers and the 2009 Confederations Cup, but did not make his debut until last August against the USA.
He played all four of Brazil’s 2010 friendlies after the World Cup and kept three clean sheets, conceding only one goal in the process. With the other two goalkeepers currently in the squad, Jefferson and Fabio, both yet to play for the national side, it looks certain that Victor will go to the Copa America as Julio Cesar’s backup.
