England Vs. Italy Results And Highlights: Behind Balotelli, Italy Trumps England 2-1

The heat and humidity took center stage in Manaus on Saturday night as Italy, lead by the eccentric Mario Balotelli defeated England 2-1

With temperatures reaching near 90 degrees during the match and humidity at over 70%, players for both England and Italy were cramping up throughout the match leading to multiple substitutions in the second half.

Claudio Marchiso got the first goal for the Azzurri after a brilliant dummy by Italian star, Andrea Pirlo. Marchiso found the back of the net from 25 yards out and Italy jumped out to an early 1-0 lead. It would not last long however…

Less than two minutes later, England’s Daniel Sturridge stormed down the field and netted the equalizer from five yards out. That tied the game at 1-1 and the world knew it was in for a pressure packed and intense final 60 minutes as both teams desperately needed the three points awarded to the winner of the match.

Just before the half, it seemed like Italy would take the lead as the eventual star of the game, Mario Balotelli, twice sent to shots from very tight angles off the woodwork that released cheers and gasps from the crowd.

In the second half, the weather played more of an important role as the dehydrated players began cramping up, stopping game play on multiple occasions. It wasn’t long into the second half however that the game changed permanently, when Balotelli finally was able to find the back of the net.

Balotelli’s goal came in the 50^th minute and was a brilliant header off a Candreva cross. Balotelli was simply, bigger, stronger and more athletic than the English defenders. Italy took the lead 2-1.

Over the next twenty minutes, substitutions ran rampant as both Coaches struggled to find fresh and healthy bodies to get on the pitch and make a difference in the game. England substituted Welbeck for 20 year old sensation, Ross Barkley in the 61^st minute, and Italy countered with Forward, Ciro Immobile who replaced Balotelli at the 71^st minute mark.

England had their opportunities late, but it may have been their lack of experience on the international level for their young athletic players that made the difference in this game. Italian veterans like Marchiso, Pirlo, de Rossi, even Balotelli playing in his second World Cup, were able to control the entire match and dictate the pace and the scoring opportunities.

England was unable to put enough pressure on Italian midfielder, Andrea Pirlo, and he was able to find his teammates in space throughout the match. The Three Lions identity in this match also came into question as before the match, English Assistant Coach, Gary Neville hinted that the English team would play fast and furious and attack the Italian’s defense as they believed they were better conditioned for the heat and humidity.

I personally believed that this was a bluff on the part of Neville, but it did appear that England was taking advantage of their speed and attacking early on in the match.

Unfortunately for the Three Lions, Italy’s defense was just too superb today despite a last minute injury to legendary Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon. Sirigu replaced him in goal was able to do enough to give the Italians the victory.

Once England fell down 2-1 early, you got the feeling that with the style of play that Italy is known for, it would be extremely unlikely for them to come back after already having done it once earlier in the match.

Balotelli was able to back up his words before the tournament and was absolutely brilliant for the Azzurri today. He was by far the difference in the match and seems to have matured years since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. If this is the Balotelli Italy will play with the remainder of the tournament, the Italians could be very dangerous.

Game Notes: Going into the game, England had only won two of their last 11 matches against Italy. Historically, England has only ever come back to win after being down twice in World Cup History (1966 and 1990). With an assist to Daniel Sturridge for England’s first goal, Wayne Rooney officially contributed to his first ever World Cup goal for England (9 appearances). Italy has now scored in 15 consecutive World Cup matches; the longest current streak. Today’s loss was England’s first loss in their opening World Cup match since 1986.