Corinthians coach says goalkeeper deserves Brazil call-up

Corinthians manager Tite has urged Brazil coach Dunga to consider calling up goalkeeper Cassio after his match-winning display in a 1-0 victory over Sao Paulo on Sunday.

The 27-year-old former PSV Eindhoven stopper made a superb reflex save from Ricardo Centurion before keeping out a Rogerio Ceni penalty with his right leg.

"He [Rogerio] didn't miss the penalty. It was the merit of Cassio," Tite said after the match in the Sao Paulo state championship.

"I like to talk about virtues. Cassio is a big guy and the goal looks smaller with him in front of it. He anticipates what will happen. He has long arms and it's hard to get the ball past him.

Cassio represented Brazil 13 times at under-20 level and has been a senior squad member under former national coach Mano Menezes. But he is yet to be capped at international level.

Dunga last week named Botafogo's Jefferson, Valencia's Diego Alves and Gremio's Marcelo Grohe as his goalkeepers in a 23-man squad for friendlies against France and Chile later this month.

Tite predicted the Corinthians player could be a surprise selection as Brazil fine-tune their preparations for the Copa America in June and July.

"He [Cassio] has a lot of potential," Tite said. "I don't like to individualize but I'm talking about the national team. He has everything and if he continues in this form he could be called up." Endi