体坛英语新闻：Alves hoping to solve Brazil's goalkeeping dilemma

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Valencia's Diego Alves will be the sixth goalkeeper used by Brazil coach Mano Menezes this year when the team hosts South Africa in Friday's international friendly in Sao Paulo.

The position remains a dilemma for Menezes as he attempts to mould a team for the World Cup in less than two years.

Alves follows Julio Cesar, Jefferson, Rafael Cabral, Neto, and Gabriel as those to have worn Brazil's No.1 shirt in 2012.

So far all have failed to stake a claim for the role on a permanent basis.

Alves admitted on Thursday that anything less than his best performance against South Africa at the Morumbi stadium would not be good enough to secure the position.

"Each player has their personal objectives and for me the Brazil national team is the most important," Alves said.

"When given the chance you have to make the most of it. I have to make sure that I perform at my best."

Alves, who already has two international caps, has been one of the most consistent goalkeepers in Spain's La Liga since forcing his way into Valencia's first team last season.

He won special praise from Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho last month after a series of outstanding saves in a surprise 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

Menezes admitted on Thursday that Brazil's goalkeeping position remained wide open.

"I always knew that a number of options would need to be tried because it's a delicate position," Menezes said. "In the past we've had goalkeepers who have held the role for long periods of time.

"When they leave it always creates a difficult situation. Now it's important to get some stability and try to instill confidence."