Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar believes his team are ready for the next chapter of the World Cup when they face Chile tomorrow.

The 0-0 draw with ­Portugal made sure Brazil finished top of their pool and Cesar said: “It was a difficult group. Now a new and more complicated stage in the competition begins and I am certain that Brazil will be ready.

“We have done what we expected to do so far and now we have to focus one game at a time and continue to improve.”

Cesar has reason to be upbeat because his side will welcome back midfield pair Kaka and Elano for the last-16 tie in Johannesburg.

Kaka missed Portugal game as he served a one-match ban, while Elano was ruled out through injury. “They are both crucial players for us and it will be good to have them back in the team for our next game,” said Inter Milan star Cesar.

Portugal face favourites Spain, but captain Cristiano Ronaldo insisted: “We are confident. It doesn't matter as long as we play how we have done in this group stage.”

Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by the Ivory Coast before thrashing North Korea 7-0.