Confederations Cup 2013 - Mexico vs Italy

1st half

Group A's second game at the legendary Maracana-stadium in Rio de Janeiro showed two teams both very eager to win the match. Often in Confederations Cup the player's lack of enthusiasm has been a problem, but so far that doesn't seem to be the case this year.

Both teams had chances at scoring, but Italy was definitely closer to getting a lead. Halfway through the first half Italy's hard work paid of when Andrea Pirlo (who was celebrating his
100th international cap) scored the first goal of the match from an amazing free kick.
A few minutes later Andrea Barzagli's clumsy attempt to get the ball from Mexico's Giovani dos Santos gave the referee no chance but to give the Mexicans a penalty. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez got the ball easily behind Gianluigi Buffon.

2nd half

The second half didn't differ much from the first half. On the 77th minute Italy's most controversial footballer Mario Balotelli scored the Azzurri a winning goal. The match finished 2-1 for Italy.

Italy's best players were definitely winger Emanuele Giaccherini who was a big part of most of Italy's attacks and defender Mattia de Sciglio who worked tirelessly throughout the game.

Mexico's best player was attacker Giovani Dos Santos who, I think, showed the most desire to win. Goalkeeper Jesus Corona played a good game as well despite Italy's two goals.