The 34-year-old Julio Cesar-- who had a mixed FIFA World Cup being hailed for his performance in the penalty shootout win over Chile in the last 16 but conceded seven in the semi-0final thrashing by Germany -- has signed a two-year contract with the Benfica, having had his contract with Queens Park Rangers cancelled.

The 34-year-old Julio Cesar joined Toronto in February after playing sparingly under Harry Redknapp at QPR. His return to the Premier League was announced on Friday.

Having been blamed for Brazil's 2-1 defeat to Netherlands that saw them exit the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the quarterfinal stage, Julio Cesar was hailed as a hero after Brazil beat Chile on penalties in the last 16 two weeks ago.

Julio Cersar, Brazil's 34-year-old goalkeeper, saved penalties from Mauricio Pinilla and Alexis Sanchez to set Brazil up for a 3-2 shoot-out win against their South American rivals in Belo Horizonte that took them through to the quarter-finals in the FIFA World Cup.

Brazil squandered several chances, converting just one of 13 attempts on target due to poor finishing and good goalkeeping by Chile's Claudio Bravo.

After Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar had made two shootout saves, Gonzalo Jara hit the right post, and the ball bounced back across the mouth of the goal and safely away.

Cesar underwent surgery after breaking a finger on his left hand in training on Tuesday and will be out for six to eight weeks.

Most of the big names have dropped out, and four former American collegiate players had to be added to the roster just to stage the game. Thierry Henry, Julio Cesar and Javier Mascherano are still scheduled to play.

Julio Cesar's career has had its ups and downs ever since he made his debut for Flamengo 16 seasons ago.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez, who led Uruguay to the Copa America title in 2011 to book a berth here, was sanguine afterwards. Matches between the South American neighbours have long been tense affairs - not least since the Uruguayans shocked the Brazilians in the 1950 World Cup final in Rio to deny their hosts a first title.