Neymar, Brazil
Brazil and Italy advanced to the Confederations Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night with a game to spare after winning both their matches so far. They face each other this weekend in what is effectively a play-off to see who tops the group, with Brazil needing just a draw and Italy a win because of the host’s superior goal difference.
Italy booked their place in the semi-finals with a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 win over Japan. The Italians looked to be heading for a shock defeat after going 2-0 down to Japan midway through the first half, with Keisuke Honda slotting a 21st-minute penalty before Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa doubled the lead for the Asian champions. However, Italy fought back with a three-goal blast either side of half-time, courtesy of strikes from Daniele De Rossi, an own-goal from Atsuto Uchida and a Mario Balotelli spot-kick to make it 3-2. Japan levelled at 3-3 courtesy of a thumping header from Shinji Okazaki on 69 minutes as the momentum shifted again before Italy substitute Sebastian Giovinco sealed a dramatic encounter with the winner four minutes from time. The Euro 2012 finalists defeated CONCACAF Gold Cup champions Mexico 2-1 in their opening match of the Confederations Cup at the Maracana on Sunday. Andrea Pirlo scored a magnificent free kick in his 100th appearance for the Azzurri before Javier Hernandez levelled it through a penalty. Mario Balotelli eventually got the winner late in the match to claim all three points for the Italians.
Neymar scored one goal and set up another for Jo to lift Brazil to a 2-0 win over Mexico and all but secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup for the host nation. The Brazilian striker scored his second of the tournament with a left-footed volley from just inside the box in the ninth minute after Mexican defenders failed to clear a cross, and then slipped past two defenders to help Jo score an easy goal in second-half injury time. The Samba Boys thumped Japan 3-0 in their opening match with Neymar, Paulinho and Jo getting the goals. They are yet to concede a goal having scored five in their two matches. Italy have scored six goals but have conceded five. The Brazilian defence are giving dedicated performances with David Luiz and Thiago Silva in the heart of it and attacking fullbacks Dani Alves and Marcelo also doing their part. Brazil are dangerous going forward with Neymar running at defenders, Oscar dictating play with attacking passes and the dangerous Hulk collecting the ball in the final third.
Italy have not beaten Brazil since the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Since then Brazil have recorded three wins and two draws over Italy. The most recent win was a 3-0 win in the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa. Both teams will go all out for the win here as coaches will see the bigger picture of using this match as an opportunity for their key players to gain valuable experience. Top spot is also at stake and with Brazil having thrived on home support so far they are tipped to get another inspired victory.
