Keeper Doni goes from zero to hero

MARACAIBO, Venezuela: Almost exactly three months after shipping seven goals in a Champions League match, goalkeeper Doni is basking in the accolades after helping Brazil reach the Copa America final.

Doni saved two penalties, taken by Diego Forlan and Diego Lugano, as Brazil beat Uruguay 5-4 in a shootout following a 2-2 draw in Tuesday's semifinal.

When he was surprisingly picked as Brazil's first-choice goalkeeper for the competition ahead of Helton, Doni had been eyed with scepticism.

His club AS Roma's 7-1 mauling at the hands of Manchester United in April was still fresh in the minds of many and his lack of previous international experience also alarmed Brazil's supporters.

Before the tournament began, Doni had won only one cap in last month's friendly against Turkey.

His performance in the 2-0 defeat by Mexico in Brazil's opening match did little to allay the worries as he stayed rooted to the spot when Ramon Morales's free kick flew into the net for the second goal.

On Tuesday, Doni had already answered his critics with a superb save to turn away a Forlan shot in the first half before his penalty shootout heroics.

Ferocious brawl

"This is a very happy moment in my career. It was a great night for me, I fulfilled a dream," said the 27-year-old, who say he models himself on former Brazil goalkeeper Taffarel.

"It's normal for people to be sceptical about me. I respect everyone and every opinion. I work to change those opinions.

"For everything in life, you need some luck. But you also have to be competent."

Doni began his career with provincial club Botafogo-Ribeirao Preto, before joining Corinthians, one of Brazil's most popular teams, in 2002.

He had two good years at the club, though they were marred when he was banned for 40 days following his part in a ferocious brawl in a game against Santos after a vicious lunge at opponent Fabiano.

Doni then had spells with Santos, Cruzeiro and Juventude before his 2005 move to Roma where he settled well and at one stage there were rumours that he could be picked to play for Italy, where he has citizenship.

Doni, however, said his ambition was always to play for Brazil. This year, he finally got his chance.

Doni admitted to moving early when he pulled off the save which gave Brazil the win over Uruguay.

Photographs showed Doni some three meters off his line when he stopped defender Diego Lugano's effort, Uruguay's seventh kick of a dramatic shootout.

"I did move before the last penalty," he told reporters.

The Argentine sports daily Ole mocked the save, saying: "Doni threw himself at Lugano's feet."

Agencies

(China Daily 07/13/2007 page23)