MARIO BALOTELLI’S TIME in the Premier League is hardly remembered for his goals. But, it was his second-half header that secured an Italian victory against England in what was an entertaining World Cup Group D clash in Manaus.
Best-known in the UK for his off-field antics and for courting controversy, Balotelli always hinted at greatness before inevitably pressing the self-destruct button. But, he’s matured significantly since returning to Serie A in January 2013 where he’s proved a consistent and reliable goalscorer at AC Milan.
But Balotelli and his Italian comrades struggled early on as England imposed themselves with Raheem Sterling, handed a start as Roy Hodgson placed substantial faith in his younger players, impressing in the early exchanges. The nineteen year-old Liverpool attacker smacked an effort into the side-net within moments of the opening whistle before Daniel Sturridge was an inch away from tapping home after good work from Danny Welbeck – a touch from Andrea Barzagli proved crucial.
Italy took a while to get going with Pirlo well-shackled but the veteran play-maker was involved when the Azzurri took the lead against the run of play on 35 minutes. A corner was cut across the penalty area towards Pirlo who dummied, allowing Claudio Marchisio to tee himself up before he slammed a low drive to the bottom corner.
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Nick Potts / PA Wire/Press Association Images
Nick Potts / PA Wire/Press Association Images / PA Wire/Press Association Images
England’s response was immediate and incredibly impressive. Within ninety seconds, Sterling found Wayne Rooney on the left, he sent in a superb cross to the far post and Sturridge finished from close-range.
Before the break, Balotelli’s run was picked out by Pirlo, the striker rounded his former club-mate Joe Hart and sent a perfectly-weighted lob towards goal only for Phil Jagielka race back to clear off the line. From the resulting corner, Candreva saw his right-footed effort strike the outside of Hart’s near post.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first with England on top but Italy, once again, were ruthless when their chance came. Candreva was allowed the space to canter forward on the right, before checking onto his left foot and curling a magnificent cross to the far post where Balotelli rose above Gary Cahill to nod home.
http://vine.co/v/MIA0h3arnXu
From there, Hodgson tried to change things by bringing on the fresh legs and energy of Barkley while Jack Wilshere was introduced not long after. The Everton midfielder tested Sirigu soon after coming in but as the half wore on, England seemed to drain quickly in the intensely warm conditions. Rooney went close when he flashed a shot inches wide of the near post but Italy very nearly grabbed a third in injury-time when the imperious Pirlo rattled the crossbar with a stunning free-kick.
Mike Egerton
Mike Egerton
Much was made of Hodgson’s decisions to utilise his younger players and none let him down. Sterling was impressive before fading in the second period, Welbeck worked hard, Sturridge grabbed England’s goal while Henderson seemed to offer more than the team captain Steven Gerrard. But Italy never really looked stretched and their use of the ball ensured England had to shadow and work hard to get the ball back before trying to break quickly on the counter attack.
Not the start England wanted, certainly not the result they wanted and now their hopes of making the knock-out stage have taken a substantial hit.
Balotelli proves the game-winner as England suffer in Brazil opener
MARIO BALOTELLI’S TIME in the Premier League is hardly remembered for his goals. But, it was his second-half header that secured an Italian victory against England in what was an entertaining World Cup Group D clash in Manaus.
Best-known in the UK for his off-field antics and for courting controversy, Balotelli always hinted at greatness before inevitably pressing the self-destruct button. But, he’s matured significantly since returning to Serie A in January 2013 where he’s proved a consistent and reliable goalscorer at AC Milan.
But Balotelli and his Italian comrades struggled early on as England imposed themselves with Raheem Sterling, handed a start as Roy Hodgson placed substantial faith in his younger players, impressing in the early exchanges. The nineteen year-old Liverpool attacker smacked an effort into the side-net within moments of the opening whistle before Daniel Sturridge was an inch away from tapping home after good work from Danny Welbeck – a touch from Andrea Barzagli proved crucial.
Italy took a while to get going with Pirlo well-shackled but the veteran play-maker was involved when the Azzurri took the lead against the run of play on 35 minutes. A corner was cut across the penalty area towards Pirlo who dummied, allowing Claudio Marchisio to tee himself up before he slammed a low drive to the bottom corner.
England’s response was immediate and incredibly impressive. Within ninety seconds, Sterling found Wayne Rooney on the left, he sent in a superb cross to the far post and Sturridge finished from close-range.
Before the break, Balotelli’s run was picked out by Pirlo, the striker rounded his former club-mate Joe Hart and sent a perfectly-weighted lob towards goal only for Phil Jagielka race back to clear off the line. From the resulting corner, Candreva saw his right-footed effort strike the outside of Hart’s near post.
The second half began in similar fashion to the first with England on top but Italy, once again, were ruthless when their chance came. Candreva was allowed the space to canter forward on the right, before checking onto his left foot and curling a magnificent cross to the far post where Balotelli rose above Gary Cahill to nod home.
http://vine.co/v/MIA0h3arnXu
From there, Hodgson tried to change things by bringing on the fresh legs and energy of Barkley while Jack Wilshere was introduced not long after. The Everton midfielder tested Sirigu soon after coming in but as the half wore on, England seemed to drain quickly in the intensely warm conditions. Rooney went close when he flashed a shot inches wide of the near post but Italy very nearly grabbed a third in injury-time when the imperious Pirlo rattled the crossbar with a stunning free-kick.
Much was made of Hodgson’s decisions to utilise his younger players and none let him down. Sterling was impressive before fading in the second period, Welbeck worked hard, Sturridge grabbed England’s goal while Henderson seemed to offer more than the team captain Steven Gerrard. But Italy never really looked stretched and their use of the ball ensured England had to shadow and work hard to get the ball back before trying to break quickly on the counter attack.
Not the start England wanted, certainly not the result they wanted and now their hopes of making the knock-out stage have taken a substantial hit.
As it happened: England v Italy, World Cup 2014 Group D
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Andrea Pirlo blue velvet Claudio Marchisio Daniel Sturridge England Italy Manaus Mario Balotelli Raheem Sterling Wayne Rooney World Cup 2014