More Misery for Mexico, Lose to Italy

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Mexico and Italy squared off in Rio De Janeiro today in their first matches of the 2013 Confederations Cup.  Italy got off to a better start and were first on the board thanks to a perfect freekick by the veteran Pirlo.  From about twenty-five yards out, Pirlo was able to lift the shot over the wall and get the ball to dip back down, upper 90º (27').

The lead was short lived as Italy conceded a penalty when defender Barzagli fouled Mexico's Dos Santos in the box.  Hernandez then finished form the spot to level the score (34').  Aside from scoring the penalty though, Hernandez was quite ineffective today and had only one other shot on target.  Dos Santos and Guardado were more involved throughout, but the Italian defense was too strong and shut down Mexico's attack for the remainder of the match.

The match was there for Italy's taking, and late in the second-half Mario Balotelli delivered the game-winning goal.  Giaccherini was able to flick a ball into the path of the striker and Balotelli powered through defender Rodriguez to get the shot away (78').  Not surprisingly Balotelli earned a yellow card for his celebration (taking his shirt off) but he was quickly substituted to make sure he was unable to see another card.