Italy Overcome England 2-1 with Balotelli Header

After Costa Rica's impressive 3-1 comeback against Uruguay, the pressure was on England and Italy as they faced off in Manaus. Both sides were hunting for a win, and it was England who came out with the right intensity, creating a couple of good early chances. However Italy soon took over with their languid possession, stifling England's quick tempo with Pirlo and Verratti in central midfield moving the ball with ease.

While the Azzurri took their time going forward, when things clicked they took the lead with a well worked set play from a corner. It was Pirlo's calm dummy which let the ball slip to Claudio Marchisio, who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner of Joe Hart's net. It was a great goal to give a patient Italy side the lead, but England's reaction came quickly. Not more than two minutes later a through ball on the left wing released Rooney to place a curled cross for Sturridge to tap in.

Even if England had sparked the majority of the action in the first half, they came out slow in the second. It was Tim Cahill who was caught napping five minutes into the half when Candreva's cross found Mario Balotelli with just enough space to head into the back of the net. For all of the early promise England showed, the Three Lions were once more left chasing the Italian's possession.

Marchisio's strike to give Italy the lead

As the half went on, England brought on Barkley and Lallana, hoping for an injection of creativity.  Ross Barkley had the best moment of the half for England with a low shot which forced Sirigu into a diving save. Italy continued in their collected possession, slowly wearing down England and the clock but not creating any notable chances. Both sides seemed to have switched off by the time the final whistle arrived: Italy were content with the lead and England unable to find any continuity without the ball.

Now, Costa Rica currently tops Group D with Italy just behind on goal difference. Meanwhile England and Uruguay are both without points, and will face each other on Thursday June 19th. Both sides will be desperate for a win in order to still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. The real question which remains is whether Costa Rica will be able to get a positive result against Italy, and make a real case for reaching the knockout stages.

Can England pick themselves up after this loss and get a result against Uruguay? Are Costa Rica the true dark horses for this World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Major European Leagues Wrap Up: Juventus Overpowers Inter

A great weekend full of upsets and big matches and missed penalties, especially in the Premiership.

Roma - Lazio *ROMAN DERBY SPECIAL*

A derby which could be described as a game of two halves, the first half was rather dull and boring with both clubs unable to scare each other. Some of Zarate's spurts scared the Roma defense, and when Mexes was replaced by Cassetti because of a nasty injury the second half really kicked off. Zarate continues to scare but hits the post after a great dribbling through the sleeping Roma defense. But eventually, wonders happen and a cross goes to the top of the box, and the super-sub Cassetti volleys it in the net to give Roma the much needed victory.
Final score 1-0

Juventus - Inter Milan *DERBY D'ITALIA SPECIAL*


A match which could have distanced Inter Milan from all of their opponents, but a fantastic goal by Marchisio is what seperates the two sides. An extremely slow start by Inter, Juventus took the chance, Felipe Melo scores and a deflection stops Julio Cesar from stopping the ball from trickling over the line. A certain penalty wasn't called for the Italian champions and the free kick which Felipe Melo scored off was after a dodgy decision to ignore a tackle on an Inter player to then allow a free kick which was just as dodgy. Eto'o was able to make it even with a good header, but what seperates the two sides is pure italian talent by the name of Claudio Marchisio. After a save by Julio Cesar, Marchisio dribbles past Samuel in the six yard box and chips Julio Cesar with a fantastic left foot chip. Now the games are reopened and Juventus can really challenge for the Serie A title.
Final score 2-1




Some other interesting results are:

Deportivo La Coruna - Barcelona: 3-1
A double by Messi saves the Catalans with a late goal by Ibrahimovic.

Teal Madrid - Almeria: 4-2
From 2-1 down Real Madrid comes back to win 4-2, Cristiano Ronaldo is sent off and it won't help especially with Kaka' injured.

Manchester City - Chelsea: 2-1
A great result for Manchester City, and with a missed penalty by Lampard, Chelsea were not in form. Tevez puts the winner in from a free kick and this allows Man City to move ahead Liverpool in the table.