Italy 2 - England 1

Photo by Adam Pretty

England faced off against Italy in the Amazonian city of Manaus. England started off much more brightly. Raheem Sterling as given way too much time by Italian left back Giorgio Chiellini, but his well-hit shot sailed just wide of the post. A couple minutes later, Jordan Henderson was firing from distance off the half-volley, but Italian goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu was able to keep it out of his net. A few minutes after that, Italian centerback Gabriel Paletta gave a pass away from the half circle straight to Danny Welbeck, but Welbeck fired well wide. England clearly had the upper hand, but they could not manufacture a goal from their early superiority. Italy's inexperienced back four was being tested early and often. Welbeck sent a roller across the six-yard box with Sterling looming for the tap-in. Andrea Barzagli had to go for the sliding tackle facing his own goal, and he just narrowly avoided an own goal on his clearance. On a corner kick, Italy rolled the ball out to the top of the box. Andrea Pirlo dummied over the ball, leaving Claudio Marchisio wide open from distance. He smacked the ball through four English defenders, including through one's legs, to put Italy ahead 1-0. England struck back immediately. Wayne Rooney ran up the left side of the box and then played a beautiful one-bounce pass, allowing Sterling to kick the ball in from four yards away without breaking stride to level the affair at one goal apiece. Italy nearly had their second goal in stoppage time. Mario Balotelli (pictured, blue) dragged England goalkeeper Joe Hart (pictured, yellow) wide and then chipped Hart when he refused to rop back and cover his line. Luckily for the Three Lions, centerback Phil Jagielka was able to clear the danger off the line with his head. The first period ended 1-1.

Welbeck continued his brilliant play after the second half whistle. He hit a curling shot that forced a diving block from Sirigu. Italy somehow shook off another slow start to a half, this time more quickly. Antonio Candreva bamboozled English left back Leighton Baineswith a faked cross, allowing him to cut back and drive by him before playing a perfect cross just beyond the far post to a place where only Balotelli could reach the ball. His header was pure, and Italy were ahead 2-1. Baines nearly equalized off a curling shot from the top of the box, but Sirigu again was ready to parry the ball to safety. A frustrated England produced little else of note for the remainder of the match. Pirlo nearly cored on a knuckling swerving free kick, but the crossbar denied him. Hart was relieved for he had completely misread the shot. Italy escape with a 2-1 victory.

Costa Rica 3 pts +2
Italy 3 pts +1
England 0 pts -1
Uruguay 0 pts -2

Goals
Italy
Claudio Marchisio
Mario Balotelli

England
Daniel Sturridge

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1882019/three-points-by-john-brewin-on-italy-2-1-win-over-England
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/14/italy-england-world-cup-three-thoughts-pirlo-rooney-buffon-balotelli?eref=sihp
http://www.espnfc.us/blog/world-cup-central/59/post/1881900/italys-andrea-pirlo-brilliant-against-england-in-world-cup

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186513/index.html