Ramires knew exactly what he wanted to do the moment he scored his first international goals with the Brazilian national team: Call his mother back home.
Ecstatic after scoring twice in Brazil's 5-1 win over Tanzania in the team's final World Cup warmup on Monday, Ramires took the first chance he had to call his mother Judith in the small Brazilian city he grew up.
Ramires said he made the call as soon as he left the field and got into the locker room, wanting to share his happiness with his entire family back in Barra do Pirai, near Rio de Janeiro.
``I talked to my brothers too,'' he said. ``They were all partying (because of) my goals and they are probably still celebrating.''
Ramires is a reserve in Brazil's World Cup squad, but he took advantage of the 45 minutes he played in Brazil's warmup in Dar es Salaam. He got his first goal in the 52nd minute after getting past a defender just outside the penalty area, then closed the scoring with a header in second-half injury time.
``It was just too good,'' the 23-year-old Ramires said. ``I was looking for a goal but ended getting two.''
The dynamic and tireless midfielder also was a reserve when Brazil arrived for the Confederations Cup a year ago, but after coming off the bench in the team's first match he gained a starting stop and eventually helped Brazil win the title.
He replaced Felipe Melo on Monday, but he is also fighting for a spot with Elano in a more offensive position at midfield alongside Kaka. Ramires said is willing to play in any position, but won't complain if he doesn't earn a starting spot for the World Cup.
``Just being part of this group makes me fulfilled,'' Ramires said. ``I'm being rewarded every time I get in and help the team.''
Ramires was a member of Brazil's team which won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics two years ago, but hadn't been summoned often by coach Dunga until the Confederations Cup.
Fans and local media had been pressuring Dunga to pick the midfielder, and Ramires has more than seized his chance. After making the Confederations Cup squad, he now has 14 international appearances.
``I hope to keep playing well,'' Ramires said. ``I will keep working hard and will be ready when needed.''
A former player for Brazilian club Cruzeiro, Ramires joined Benfica following the Confederations Cup and helped the team win the Portuguese championship this past season.
