0' All set for this clash of titans in Manaus. Buffon is out for Italy, and perhaps that opens up goal scoring opportunities for England by simply putting more shots on goal. A wonderful midfield matchup in Pirlo versus Gerrard, but if there is a favorite its the Italians. After bombing out in the group stages in 2010 as reigning champions, they'll look to do better this time around, and they have to be full of confidence. England are no pushovers though, and this should prove to be an excellent match. Joga Bonito.
5' Its nearly a goal for England starting out, as a shot off a deflection from Henderson from the top of the box tests the Italian keeper, who does well. Both teams coming out with pace, and its an excellent back and forth game thus far.
20' The game settling down a bit now. Both sides with a few very good chances. The keepers doing well for the most part. A dangerous rebound allowed by the English keeper Joe Hart, but no Italian strikers nearby to make him pay. On the opposite side, a great ball across the face of goal but no English striker can get to it in time. All around excellent play, and this is a fine example of world class football so far.
25' Nearly a goal for England twice, as a Welbeck cross gets deflected off the path of a charging English striker that had his man beat and was in on goal. Off the ensuing corner, chaos in the box, but the ball is eventually cleared. You have to wonder how many opportunities England will get, but coming agonizingly close this time.
35' And Italy open the scoring. It was really just a matter of time. They took over control of the game, and had some excellent chances. The goal comes off of a short corner, played in to Pirlo who steps over it in majestic fashion, leaving Marchisio wide open with no one around, and he slots it home. An excellent goal.
37' Oh my its an immediate equaliser for England and that exactly what the Doctor ordered. A brilliant counter attack and an excellent cross in from Rooney to Sturridge who is wide open at the far post and he won't miss from that distance. An excellent response from England to keep themselves in the game.
45+1' Oh My right before the half its nearly two for Italy and Balotelli chips the keeper but an Engliash defender comes charging in and clears it off the line with his head. Moments later, a shot riffles off the upright to again save Joe Hart, and we go in to the half level. What an entertaining match, and certainly this is being played at the highest level.
50' Italy pick up right where they left off, and its Balotelli who puts them ahead. It's a beautiful header on the far post off a beautiful cross. And England have to do better marking than that. Sturridge nearly equalises again dribbling the ball in on goal but takes one too many touches.
55' Perhaps a slightly controversial call as Gerrard is taken down in the box. England playing well and with purpose in the attack forcing the Italians to defense. They are finding space though, are not without chances. Still a very open game, but the strong Italian midfield are forcing England to play down the wings, leaving them open to a counter-attack.
62' Nearly the equaliser again, as Rooney finds himself with the ball in the box and with space, but sends it wide. He has to do better than that, and at least put the ball on target. Several chances here for the English, but their shots all going just wide. It might even be that thye're trying too hard for the corner, and perhaps need to simply put the ball on goal to test the keeper.
77' England still threatening, this time off of a beautiful free kick thats curved up and around the wall, but the Italian keeper does fantastically getting to the ball. England agonizingly close to scoring, and still plenty of time for them to find their equaliser.
94' A brief reprieve for the Italian defense, and Pirlo nearly locks up the win with a gorgeous free kick that beats Joe Hart but unceremoniously clamors off the cross bar. What a phenominal shot nonetheless. England with the majority of possession though in the later stages of the second half, attacking very well and creating chances, simply unable to finish, luck not on their side today.
Final' And its Italy that walk away with three points. An absolutely excellent match from England though, and they were just on the wrong side of the ball today. Excellent attacking from both sides, and good defending from the Italians to hold their lead. Both sides have to be happy with the form they came out with today, even if they aren't happy with the result. Italy able to breath a little now, and England now needing points from both of their remaining matches to advance. Wonderful football, and a full 90 played at the highest level.
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