Brazil, Italy face off to top Group A

Criado em 20/06/13 11h26 e atualizado em 20/06/13 14h41
Por Agência Brasil Edição:Aécio Amado/ Nira Foster

Brasília – After Brazil's 2-0 win over Mexico and the Italy's 4-3  victory over Japan, in the second round of the Confederations Cup, both squads have qualified for the next phase of the competition. On Saturday (June 22), they will face off toward leading Group A.

Brazilian team qualified with a win over Mexico in Fortaleza, state of Ceara. In a packed stadium, the team played poorly, but striker Neymar gave a great performance in opening the scoring and passing the ball to Jô for a final goal at the very last minute of play, having a prominent role in Brazil's victory.

Meanwhile in Recife, in a crowded Arena Pernambuco stadium, Italy and Japan played a thrilling match with seven goals. Japan took an early lead with two goals by Honda and Kagawa. Toward the end of the first half, Italy's De Rossi narrowed the gap.

In the second half, both teams maintained their forward play. Italy leveled with an own goal by Uchida, and went on to reverse with a further penalty goal by Balotelli. However, this was no discouragement for the Japanese team, who caught up again (3-3) with Okazaki. But on 40 minutes, Giovinco wrapped up Italy's 4-3 win.

The Confederations Cup continues today (June 20) with another round of Group B. Spain plays Haiti at 4 pm at Mário Filho Stadium (“Maracanã”), in Rio de Janeiro, and Uruguay faces Nigeria later on at 7pm at Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador, Bahia.

Edition: Aécio Amado/ Nira Foster
Translation: Mayra Borges/ Olga Bardawil

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