Mexico v Italy Match of the Day Live

challenge! He has scored! A great The Day for live Confederations Cup

action. Pat Nevin and John Hartson are both with me. We are now moving

580 miles south-east from Brasilia to the stadium in Rio for Mexico

versus Italy. Both teams are already at the stadium, as you would expect.

One of the legendary venues of world football and world sport. The

Mexican side arriving first. And then Italy with Cesare Prandelli,

their manager, getting off the bust. And finally, we will see super marry

a resplendent in a sea Milan coloured headphones. A good

tournament this for a variety of reasons. As I was saying last night,

all the sides will take it seriously. I think the most pressure

really at the moment will be on Brazil, the host nation. They have

left a few of their star names behind. But Italy, Spain, they have

taken the strongest squad they could prosecute -- possibly take. Cesare

Prandelli the manager will look at different systems and younger

players. Do you think that is the key to something like this? Have the

strongest squad you can but sprinkle it with the odd youngster to get

them their first experience in tournament football? Very important.

Also it is the year before the World Cup. The perfect dry run for it. You

will get used to the conditions, used to the stadiums and in a years

time, some of these young lads will be of age. That is the perfect

opportunity. If you want to go and win it, I think every team he wants

to go and win it, even a one team who will not win it. Who could you

mean? ! Lets remind you what the Confederations Cup is. It takes

place year before the World Cup and brings together FIFA's world and

continental champions. Eight teams, here is how they got on. Brazil

qualified as hosts. Japan are the reigning champions of Asia. Mexico

qualified and two Europe patient -- European nations, Italy who were

runners-up in 2012. Uruguay are the current South American champions.

The African cup of Nations win in February secured Nigeria's place.

The eighth place is made up by party T. Australia are now in the Asia

region. Tacky tea are the ones you think who will not win it? . It is

their first game tomorrow night. think they will do well to get a

corner. The first game kicked off in Brasilia yesterday. Their main man

delivered very early on. It was important given how much pressure is

on him, Pat? Yes, here's a spectacular player. We will talk

about that goal in a minute. I think it is better than a great goal. He

is maybe not as good as some of the great Brazilian players of the past

but it was good. The goals were good and the performance was functional

but they have not played competitive that all for a couple of years and

you mentioned the pressure that is on them. Whenever you mention the

word Brazil you all it backed -- expect great things because

historically they are one of the best nations at football. But what I

liked about it, the goals. They were of real quality. 3-0 is quite

convincing that the final whistle. Most people when they see a goal

like that jump out of their chair and celebrated because it is so

special. Pat looks at the way the ball rolls. Talk us through this.

normal ball either spins left or right and sometimes it rolls over as

you hit it. They'll hit sit it goes straight. Have a look at this ball,

the way it goes. It does not spin rolling over the top. He puts that's

been cut on it. It spins the wrong way. To do that, you don't just have

a whack at it, you have to take something off it. It is like a

golfer who chips it with a bit of backspin. That is not just a good

goal, it is a phenomenal goal and he meant that. The two reasons why that

ball, the three reasons, won the player, two he got his body over the

ball and also because he cut into it that will keep it down. He took a

bit of fit as well. That guy is unbelievable. Good spot. Onto

today's game and we start a look at both teams with the four times world

champions. The Italians sure know how to do

things with a sense of style and occasionally fashion and

controversy. This is the most stupid, appalling and disgusting

exhibition football possibly in the history of the game. After two early

World Cup wins, the Second World War and the tragic death of 18 players

in a plane crash meant they had to wait until the 60s before they were

back for their best. Despite they shock defeat in 1966, they ended the

decade strongly with European glory in 1968 and then defeat in the 1970

World Cup final. We will let them off that one. The 1982 World Cup was

arguably their finest triumph. The squad arrived in made a match fixing

scandal. This goal against West Germany will never be forgotten. The

90s were not so kind to the Gli Azzurri. 2006 saw another domestic

scandal and another World Cup triumphant. Their fourth. One thing

is for sure, whatever their performance on the pitch, we will

not be short of talking points. There are plenty of talking points

surrounding Italy. We will talk about that man in particular very

shortly. This starting 11 which Cesare Prandelli is comprised

basically of two teams. It is mainly players from Juventus and Milan. It

is only Daniele De Rossi who plays for Roma. They have a great

relationship with the goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon. It is not such

great news for the other players in the other teams but in terms of the

way Cesare Prandelli, it the Italian manager has gone, he does it his

way. If anybody doesn't like his way they find themselves out of the

squad. One player from Juventus, formerly of Milan, just eulogise

about Andrea Pirlo the -- Andrea Pirlo? They call him the engineer.

He scores goals and generally from quite deep. A lot of people have

seen Juventus play against Celtic earlier this season and he was man

marked. Nobody in world football plays so deep and is man marked. He

is just about as important to Italy. He is a phenomenal player. If

you spend all your time closing him down, it will be hard work to get

there. He is given a lot of room in the clips we have seen. If I was a

manager of a team playing against him, I would put somebody on him.

Players do not like that. You put somebody snapping away at him and

you will find he struggles. danger dairies you give Daniele De

Rossi more space or Riccardo Montolivo. Let's just talk about

Mario Balotelli. He will be playing up there on his own this evening.

Give us an appreciation about what he will have to do on his top? It is

difficult when you are on your own. You have to be strong. When the

other two men are playing wide, I did it for ten years playing for

Wales. When they cut inside, you have to be there making yourself

available. And also, when the ball gets wide, you have to get yourself

in the goalscoring positions. It is a fantastic role but when you are

out of position, it can be a nightmare because you are up there

on your own. If they are clever, Mexico tonight, they can put a

midfielder in front of you to block the ball coming in. Predominantly

you could run onto the other centre half. It is a very tough role and a

big responsibility for the team. Let's move on to Italy's opponents.

Here is the guide to Mexico. Mexico has made its mark on

footballing history in a number of ways. The Aztec Stadium, the bunny

hop and the kids from campus. They play France in the very first World

Cup match in 1920. They have hosted the World Cup twice in 1960 the and

1986. They have reached the finals. But they have made the second round

at every tournament since USA 94. They have won the Confederations Cup

in 1999 and six Gold cups. Their 2011 win against the USA is the

reason why they are here. They did win Olympic gold last summer as well

so we will be hoping the members of that squad like Giovani dos Santos,

formerly of Spurs, and how DA Hernandez, can bring a punch. We

want this to be an entertaining game but there is a nagging doubt in our

minds because of Mexico's recent record.

Five of their last six World Cup qualifiers have been draws. Well

done Italy because they are not playing three at the back, they are

playing two at the back. And what about Mexico? Don't expect Mexico to

be that tight minded. They need the three players who are behind to

create something. The disappointment for me is every time I have seen

them is they have not been good enough in that area. They need to be

good enough to beat the Juventus defence, the Italian defence. What

burden is there Hernandez? He will be enjoying the responsibility. He

has a fantastic record for his country. Keep Robert Lee feels more

at home playing for Mexico than he does for Manchester United because

he is their top man -- he probably feels more at home. He is a

fantastic striker, he schools all kinds of goals. He does not get

enough games at Manchester United. When he plays for Mexico he probably

thrives on the chances. How much do you think the poor World Cup for the

firing game will have on them? are struggling. What I find it

strange, you can be a statistics anyway you like. It is not always

the easiest group, but I suspect they will get through, because they

do not concede many golf. They might use this tournament to kick-start

their form. If they can do well against Italy tonight, that might

kick-start them. The important thing about Javier Hernandez, he will be

fresh, because he has not had many games this season. They won the

Olympic gold medal, so they have got... Is that what positive? It was

not exactly the same team. But they are going to get some young players

coming through. That is positive for them. I suspect they will get

through and course teams problems. They have got a phenomenal record

against Brazil. These are tonight's teams. Jose de Jesus Corona was one

of the overage players in the Olympics. They have Giovanni Dos

a combination of Juventus and Milan, with Daniele De Rossi as well. Look

out for Mattia De Sciglio. He is the Milan left back. They will be

fascinating. It is a cliche, that they enjoy defending, but there is

an art to defending. Sometimes it is good to watch. They are not pleasant

to watch at times. I hope that the officials are watching tonight,

because it is awful when they wrestle in the box. Let's look for

good defending, rather than unfair defending. The stadium looks

fantastic in the sunshine. If you want to watch in high definition, it

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the world's great sporting venues, and play in this stadium! I would

struggle in the heat! It is phenomenal. You can make an argument

that there are two stadium that have the history, Wembley and the

Maracana. Nobody else touches it. I thought you were going to talk about

Hampden Park! It is great to see those memories, fantastic,

particularly from the World Cup. 1970. You would take the millennium

Stadium over the Maracana? I would have loved to have played there, but

I never had the chance. We are nearly ready to go, two nations who

are always prominent on the world A great goal! Javier Hernandez for

Mexico! Mexico in front! Daniele De Rossi has equalised! Mario

Janeiro. We are at the Maracana, one of the world 's most iconic sporting

venues. I do not want to make you green with envy, and we were here

early enough to be fortunate enough to sneak onto the pitch and have a

feel of the grass underfoot. It was all I could do to restrain my

co-commentator from getting a ball and kick it around. Listening to Pat

talking about the stadium, what it means to play here, we got a feel of

that. It was a wonderful experience. The place is not fully speak and

spam, but it is hugely impressive. The remodelled Maracana will be

ready for the World Cup. The same goes for some of the teams at the

Confederations Cup, which got off to a good start for Brazil yesterday.

Italy almost certain to join them next year, Mexico are not guaranteed

yet. It has not been plain sailing in qualifying so far. It might be

their performance in this tournament which decides whether Jose Manuel de

la Torre stays in his job. Some feel that the Confederations Cup brings

out the relaxed style. The pressure is much more on some than others. A

bit of pressure on Gianluigi Buffon to hurry up! Please do not tell me

that he had left his gloves in the dressing room! He can relax, he has

seen it and done it. So much quality in this Italian side, especially

under Cesare Prandelli, they play in a more attacking way. Gianluigi

Buffon is one of four players in this Italy squad who have won the

big one. The World Cup in 2006. Andrea Pirlo is all set to play for

Italy for the 100th time. He has spoken of his joy at that momentous

occasion coming at this stadium. The ground that became synonymous with

Palais, where he scored his 1000th we approach 4pm local time. There

was some alarm from FIFA that many of the tickets that had been bought

have not been claimed. As many as 20,000 had yet to be collected by

Thursday. But it looks as though pretty much everyone has made it

here. The first thing that they will listen to and observe is the

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national anthems of Mexico and El acero aprestad y el bridon.

# Y retiemble en sus centros la Tierra.

# Al sonoro rugir del canon. # Y retiemble en sus centros la

Tierra. # Al sonoro rugir del canon!

# Cina oh Patria! Tus sienes de oliva. # De la paz el

arcangel divino. # Que en el cielo tu eterno destino.

# Por el dedo de Dios se escribio. # Mas si osare un extrano enemigo.

# Profanar con su planta tu suelo. # Piensa oh Patria querida!

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Que el cielo. # Un soldado en cada # Fratelli d'Italia.

# L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di Scipio.

# S'e cinta la testa. # Dov'e la vittoria?

# Le porga la chioma. # Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la

# Fratelli d'Italia. # L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di

Scipio. # S'e cinta la testa.

# Dov'e la vittoria? # Le porga la chioma.

# Che schiava di Roma. # Iddio la creo. # Stringiamoci a

coorte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

You cried when you played for Republic of Ireland for the 100th

time. Andrea Pirlo is as call as a cucumber. He takes it in his stride,

a wonderful player, the first midfielder in Italian history to win

his 100th cap. Let's have a look at the teams that will gauge the

the screen. We will have a look at the referee instead, he is from

Santiago, Chile. He has a card happy history, never mind reputation. 14

red cards shown in the last 19 club games that he has taken charge of.

Gianluigi Buffon makes the trip from his goal to beat his opposite

number, the captain of Mexico, Francisco Rodriguez. It looks as

though generally cheaper font has home, we are not in the stadium. The

Italy team have not been a closely guarded secret, six Juventus players

in the team, for from Milan, including Mario Balotelli, who has

been passed fit from a muscle strain. As for Mexico, the same side

that you against Costa Rica on Tuesday, their eighth draw in nine

games. Plenty of focus on Javier Hernandez, upon whose goals they

very much rely. We were remarking that as the camera went down the

Mexican line-up for the national anthems, he still looks like he

should be at school. Certainly Hernandez is the focal point for the

Mexican side. They have had a lot of draws since the turn of the year and

the qualification form has not been going to plan but Hanlan Des'

goalscoring form has been at a good level. -- Hernandez. Another very

familiar figure, Mario ballot tally and Heidi a Hernandez both

recognisable to English viewers -- Javier Hernandez.

Italy are in their strip of all white for this. I understand you may

be having some problem with the sound back at home. Apologies for

that. Hopefully it will be sorted out and you can get a real flavour

of the atmosphere in the Maracana. They were very impressive side in

the Olympics. A really talented side. We expect them to be better in

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near the target but a decent statement of intent from Mexico. A

good passing move. It opened up for him on his left foot. Few would have

expected to hit the target and test Gianluigi Buffon early on. The site

has 218 of its last nine games. -- the side has drawn eight of its last

Gerardo Torrado but the referee begged to differ. Anything above

waist height gets you sent off. Continental and world referee, they

will go for a foul and it could be deemed as a bookable or even a

sending-off offence. Mattia De Sciglio is a young man from Elan. He

has just completed his first season in the team being a Roma player.

There are six Juventus and Milan players. The ball was actually on

the side. That was a poor decision by the linesman. That was

disappointing that the linesman gave that decision. Emmanuel Jack Carini

scored his first goal on Tuesday. That was a second-rate ball from

Rodriguez. Straight to Balotelli. He had more time than he realised. I

think he was trying to lift it over Balotelli. He saw Corona off his

line. He might have been able to step forward and advance five or ten

yards further up the pitch. Presence go Rodriguez has got away with one #

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deepest of all in the Italian generally struggle against teams

which invite them to attack. Against the better teams who have a go

against them they will perform. Certainly, Cesare Prandelli likes

them to play more attacking and adventurous football. We have not

seen that yet from Italy. That was kept out by Corona. It was on

target. A lovely move. A good chance for Balotelli. I really good effort

on goal with his left foot. I felt that Claudio Marchisio could have

followed up and got it on the It went to Italy and was kept out by

always looking to get back on that right foot. Very uncomfortable going

on his left side. He saw the chance by Balotelli. Claudio Marchisio

might have had a chance. It is good to see two moves in a row in which

Balotelli has been quick to applaud his team-mates. During the European

Championships last summer he seemed generally more happy playing for the

national team than he ever seems so back at Manchester city. I know we

talk about this every tournaments, every summer, but they don't half

move. We saw it on a number of occasions last night watching the

Japan Brazil match. It is difficult for a keeper the way this ball

moves. I'm sure we will see it time and time again throughout this

tournament. Very difficult for a goalkeeper. The swerve, the dip, the

movement through the air but Corona has kept out two efforts. He did

well to respond to it. As a goalkeeper you will do anything to

from Carlos Salcido in the first instance. Nice and open them.

open game. Both sides attacking. Italy are looking to get Andrea

Pirlo on at every opportunity. He is Cesare Prandelli down on the

season at full after four good seasons at PSV Eindhoven. There have

been few Mexicans who have made a good impact in Europe. We have seen

two good players playing in Europe Spurs. He was relegated with

toss. Good strength, good power, keeping the ball in. He did really

well to pull it back there. A good effort. Very unfortunate to see it

hit the crossbar. He is a player who has done pretty well in Europe. The

Valencia man. He joined them last summer. Very much a left winger for

shoot again. That is three he has had. He is looking positive. He is

playing off the two centre halves for Mexico. Instant control and

turn. A really good effort on the left foot. Did well to keep it down.

The goalkeeper sought very happily hit the crossbar and go over.

Positive signs for the Mexican coach. Both teams are looking

positive. Balotelli is looking like he wants the ball, he is taking the

ball, going straight at the Mexican defence and that is what you want to

his last games against Italy. He was sent off against the Czech Republic

last Friday. Some criticism from the looking for. When the ball bounced

up he decided to clear his lines and and from Cesare Prandelli himself,

that Emanuele Giaccherini would push forward. He is playing a high line.

He is looking to pierce the Mexican defence. We were wondering whether

they would pick a player from Milan but they have gone for this three

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Chiellini to eager. A bit high. Giovanni Dos Santos coming all the

way. A good ball played into Giovanni Dos Santos. There could

have been two files. He was looking to roll Giorgio Chiellini, and he

was too hasty with the challenge. An opportunity for Mexico. The goal is

guarded by Gianluigi Buffon. Voted the world's best goalkeeper for

times. Cesare Prandelli made his intentions clear, he said, he will

be my number one as long as he wants to be. He was criticised in the

Champions League last year. But we know what a quality goalkeeper he

is. He is getting gone, but he will unmoved. A love this -- a nervous

glance from the man in charge, but that was it. The crowd converged

around Andrea Pirlo as soon as he will look at that, I am sure.

can tell by the players' reaction. Andrea Pirlo remonstrating with the

referee. There will be a word in the ear for Gerardo Flores. A certain

foul, the referee was right on the Corona. The chances have been

created off the back of the passing, so it is a good spectacle to watch.

It is almost the opposite of what could have happened tonight. The

sides do draw a bit, certainly Mexico, 13 games unbeaten, last

defeated last August, Italy, six games unbeaten, they have not been

beaten competitively since they were beaten by Spain in Kiev in the final

of the European Championships last year. Anybody would have been taken

queue times, looking to shoot. That was one of those air shots that went

Sciglio, lovely control. He had the word that there were no men near

him, he could take a touch and let have seen players have difficulty.

Andrea Pirlo checking back in on the left foot. There was a touch by the

Mexican defender, just a touch of the ball, Andrea Pirlo having a go

at the referee, but he got it spot on. It seemed that Hector Moreno

took it fairly, but the problem might have been Francisco Javier

Rodriguez coming in. The referee is looking at it from the blindside of

Andrea Pirlo, he is looking at the initial challenge winning the ball,

but there was contact elsewhere. could understand why Andrea Pirlo

would have his arms outstretched, and why that is a free kick to

Confederations Cup. Italy did not do themselves justice for years ago in

South Africa. They beat the USA and then lost to Egypt's and then 3-0

against Brazil. They would have gone through with a draw. It seems a much

the pass, it did not happen. A good opportunity for Mexico. The

opportunity for Javier Hernandez to there. Good workrate, Mario

Balotelli. He looks much happier in the Italian shirt. When he does

play, his workrate improves as well. He made his Italy debut in Cesare

Prandelli's first match in charge against the Ivory Coast, just after

the better of the support in the was nobody in white near him.

a decent ball, but communication, he seemed to have his body shape wrong,

he did not see anybody coming, he might have been able to take a

touch, but this is an opportunity for the Italians to put a telling

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pressure from his defence. It allows diagonal ball from Andrea Pirlo to

Mario Balotelli. Good control from Mario Balotelli. Just running down

the line, good pace. If Emanuele Giaccherini was on the move, he

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could have got himself in front of three Mexican defenders. And Italy

free kick. He mis-controlled it initially. He drew the file. The

above sea Andrea Pirlo stepping up, can he produce the quality on his

100th appearance? Gerardo Torrado was the eventual offender. Here we

go. This is the moment he will have thought about in the build-up to

this game. The man whose abilities have had the Brazilian media talking

quite early on. Andrea Pirlo is still peerless. Fabulous, fabulous.

We spoke about him in the introduction, who can keep the ball

is down from free kicks? What a wonderful goal. It shows what

quality he has. A wonderfully taken free kick. Jose de Jesus Corona is

beaten by the pace and power. What a goal. A brilliant start for Italy.

That is as perfect as they come. You would have enjoyed scoring this

yourself. Few have scored free kicks as sublimely as Andrea Pirlo at this

level for so long. Italy have never lost when he has scored for them. We

had a wonderful goal to kick things off yesterday, and Andrea Pirlo --

and Andrea Pirlo doing it in Rio de Janeiro today. It is fitting, he

steps up, his 100th appearance, what a lovely free kick. We have seen it

him, and that will be it. So much is said about high tempo players.

are getting through now. A wonderful ball from Andrea Pirlo. People talk

about high tempo, covering distance, but Andrea Pirlo this evening has

hardly moved from the centre circle, he is picking up the ball, and he

showed his quality with a wonderful ball to Emanuele Giaccherini. The

kick. That is that offside rule again which can confuse defenders.

It can be confusing when a man is stood in that offside position.

takes the safety first approach. For all Italy leading with a goal of

great quality, Mexico have threatened. They have, there was a

threat down the left-hand side. Carlos Salcido looks for every

his way back down to earth when the ball made contact with his head.

Just seeing this free kick again. What a wonderful strike. See the

technique. Getting it up and down. So much pace on the ball. Corona in

goal for Mexico had no chance. I called its perfect but maybe not

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tonight. He has left you behind, Kevin. There are a lot of caps from

both teams. A novice at 94 and toss. It is a Mexico penalty.

The referee has given further punishment as well. He got himself

in all sorts of trouble though. He was looking for Buffon to give it

back to him. Giovani dos Santos showed great strength. It was a

penalty. Once he was in front he would always go to ground. There is

a yellow card for Andrea Barzagli. And there is also a conversation

about who should take this. The Manchester United man has won that

battle. Now he has got to deal with January buff on. -- Gianluigi

was good. That was a good penalty as well to make the score 1-1.

pressure on Hernandez stepping up. He said the goalkeeper the wrong

way. Right footed. Really taken penalty. Right in the corner. His

goalscoring record for Mexico has been excellent. When he gets his

chance, it invariably he scores. Mexico they reckon he is one of the

best players they have ever had. He is certainly climbing up the

goalscoring list. His 33rd international goal, he is 25 years

of age. He's too behind Luis Hernandez now in the all-time

goal. We have seen it so many times with Manchester United over the

years. When he gets his chance as he invariably puts them away. He is so

Giaccherini's movement tonight. He makes them forward runs beyond

Bollettieri -- Balotelli. He played as a left wing back at the

International Championships last year. He has done it again,

Giaccherini. Nearly got through the lot as well. He looks very useful in

this attacking position. Always looking to get into position is

difficult for the Mexicans to pick up. He does not want to use his left

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foot. He's always looking to on to Mexico goalkick and the players can

take a bit of a breather. Really warm temperatures in Rio de Janeiro.

Sorry if that is rubbing it in. I think the Italians will feel it more

than the Mexicans. They must be used to this heat. He was straight out of

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the wrestling ring into his seat for Brazil. A certain Pele has been

that is the story of his match. feet again by Balotelli. Checking

back on his left foot. Good movement. Checking back on his left

not the execution. He was on the move, full pace, just overhit and

poor execution from him. A free kick for Italy. They have

Pirlo. Corona kept Balotelli out. That was good defending from Gerardo

Flores. He made sure Giaccherini could not follow up. What a ball by

Pirlo again. A lovely ball inside the full-back. A wonderful kick. He

just could not find Balotelli. Balotelli won the move, did

everything right, well held again, never going to get there. Certainly

see Giaccherini coming there, maybe have a slide at it. Maybe get

something on the ball to test Corona. The ball slid away from him.

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Maybe throw yourself at it and try Balotelli. Not quite. Out came

Corona. Again, Giaccherini with an intelligent run. That allowed

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Balotelli to go deeper and beyond play. The junk man with a big

future, Mattia De Sciglio. A left back from Milan, he grew up at Milan

he plays for Milan, the comparisons are inevitable with Paolo Maldini.

have been impressed with him to night. He looks cool and calm and

collected. But he likes to go forward, and that has been evident

from Cesare Prandelli's brain, both fullbacks like to get into advanced

positions, especially Mattia De Sciglio, he looks excellent. He will

have to go some to be quite as good Javier Rodriguez stood firm and an

out the ball to go beyond him, tacked onto the end of a super first

half. That will do it, time for a breather in Rio de Janeiro. Italy

took the lead through a free kick from Andrea Pirlo, crowning his

100th cap in the Maracana in style. The other goalscorer, Javier

Hernandez from the penalty spot after Andrea Barzagli brought down

Giovanni Dos Santos. Hopefully more love more of the same. That was a

very entertaining first half. been very impressed with Italy, and

Mario Balotelli, he has done everything you would expect,

lively, shop, he has had chances. talked about Mexico and their

problems in their World Cup qualifying group and their tendency

to be involved in goalless draws, but you would not love it on the

evidence of that. It was very open, I was worried about it, as this

could have been a goalless draw, but the way both themes -- both teams

started, Italy were a bit more open, which cost them in the end, for the

penalty kick, but much more fluent. Most important for them, Mario

Balotelli is super again. We did think about showing the Andrea Pirlo

goal over and over again. It was a fantastic strike. There was an

argument about who would take it. Really? ! Mario Balotelli is getting

ready! That is genius, absolutely fantastic. He does it so regularly.

It is incredible. It is the toughest thing for a goalkeeper, spinning

away from him, with power. For all of that, goalkeeper, what are you

doing with your hands? You have a real problem with what he does with

his arms. The is a bit worried about the goalpost, but goalkeepers have

to be brave. It is not over the line, what is his hand doing?

still do not think he is getting that, I think he is beaten. I am not

arguing that. But do not pull your hand away. That is dreadful.

would not have got that. I do not know many goalkeepers who drag their

hand away at the last second. It looks dreadful. I think he is

worried about hitting the goalpost, but he has not covered himself in

glory. But it is a great goal. incident before the penalty, no

arguments. Not for me, it is a stonewall penalty. White Andrea

Barzagli does not get sent off, I do not know. He has plenty of time,

great pressure from Giovanni Dos Santos, but it is a clear

goalscoring opportunity. He is the last man. That is a file on the edge

of the box. He gets away with that one. He gets a yellow card. It is a

game changing incident. Javier Garrido one must look massive in

that goal. Even without his extended arms! He is going to break all sorts

of records. It was mentioned in commentary, the referee has given 14

red cards in his last 19 club games. He would normally have given a red

card, and he changed his mind. was a stonewall bud cord. I cannot

understand why it was not, it is a goalscoring opportunity, he is the

last man. It is clear cut. You spoke about Mario Balotelli and the joy

that can be had, being on your own up front when your side has lots of

possession. Talk me through how he has done. I think he has been

fantastic. He has not held it up a couple of times, but his

intelligence has been brilliant. He drops deep, and he cannot be marked.

That is a neat ball. He wants to try to get it in the deep area. Perhaps

he should have done a bit better here. It is early in the game. This

time, he is half guessing. It is fantastic way. I think he should do

better here. He watches the ball coming in, he is concentrating on

hitting the target. The work rate, he closes down to make sure the

defenders know. Because of that, Italy get the ball. He eventually

gets his opportunity. This is totally different from what we saw

him play and Manchester City. He looks happy, he has got a role in

the middle of the pitch, which he never had at Manchester City

regularly. If he performed like this for them, he might be still there.

When he is dropping deep in these situations, why are the Mexican

centre halves not going with him? They should be. He is dropping deep

and giving them a problem. You cannot let him come up with his

vision, because they will have a problem. The Mexican manager will

say, one of you has got to go with him and make him play the way he is

facing. You cannot let him turn and picked passes out. If he keeps on

playing like this, he will probably score. Excuse me! He has left you

speechless in that first half! bordering on unplayable because he

is coming off the defenders, they do not know where to go. He has shown

he has got the power and pace. Because he is so mobile, he can come

off. A lot of big centre forwards like to press up against the centre

half, back into them, bully them, but because he has got so many

different things to his game, I have been impressed with him. Let's have

a look at whether Italy should have had a penalty earlier in the game,

before they scored. Andrea Pirlo involved again. Mario Balotelli does

well, he keeps the ball alive, it is a great rate, Andrea Pirlo cannot

charge forward, so he finds himself a great position, a great touch, and

Andres Guardado gets a little touch of the ball, so that makes it not a

penalty. That is a good spot. Amazing. We thought it was a

penalty. But no chance. It is only from this one, that looks like a

penalty, it is only from the previous ankle that you can see a

slight touch. If you get any of the a penalty kick. Brilliant

refereeing. I am not sure the referee had the same angle that we

got to see the ball move as it did. Andres Guardado was also involved in

the other Mexico chance, but you want to highlight the workrate of

Giovanni Dos Santos. He played a massive part in the poll. We will

see Andres Guardado have a shot. It is Ignazio Abate, who plays for the

foul, I do not know what he is doing. The referee does well.

Giovanni Dos Santos pulled back, and you think Jan Luigi Buffon gets a

touch on it. It is a great effort from Andres Guardado. They had not

Fantastic workrate. They have never stopped believing in themselves.

They have thought, we might as well have a go now, and that has opened

the game up. The late game this evening is on BBC One from 10:25pm,

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 120 seconds

Brasilia, torrential downpour earlier, thankfully it has stopped

now. Let's talk about Spain in a moment, but let's concentrate on

Brazil first, marks out of ten? would give them seven. Going

forward, they have got great ability, they scored the goals, but

I am not sure about the defence. David Luiz can be a liability.

you listen to the Brazilian media, they say they will win this

tournament. A chance for Spain to show the world what they are still

about. We know about them, they are brilliant, they have shown their

intentions already, they have brought two strikers. From their

point of view, it is almost business as usual. They might be the team to

beat, but I think Brazil might be, especially being at home. If we were

talking about Brazil last night, tomorrow, we might be talking about

Luis Suarez. Possibly. Or possibly one of his colleagues. That is

Uruguay's problem, they have struggled a bit. They cannot

shoehorn the three stars into the team. From that point of view, they

will not have much of the ball against the Spanish, they have to

make the most of the ball when they do have it. We'll Spain have a point

to prove, given the destruction in the Champions League? I do not think

so, no relation whatsoever. On their day, they are the best team in the

world. The Brazilians might push them close in this tournament.

last time they met, Spain 13-1. The Confederations Cup is the only

trophy missing from their bulging Mark Lawrenson thinks he is playing

for Spain, with that T-shirt! Let's try and settle an argument, who was

the best of all? The great Brazilian team of 1970 or Spain 2010? You can

go to the BBC Sport website to vote or tweak your answer. Voting closes

on the full-time whistle and we will announce the results at the end of

the programme. I will not ask you yet to choose tween those two. This

is important for Spain, they want the full house, the World Cup, the

European Championships and the Confederation cup. It is the golden

era of Spanish football, if you lose a go, they were always the

bridesmaid, everybody expected them and they never delivered, but now

they are the differing and deliver rink. You might as well get

everything when you are doing it. There is an expectation now that

they will do it. This will be a big victory if they can beat all of

these teams here, including Brazil on their home turf, what a lift it

gives them. Their under 21 players are in the final as well. There is

no end in sight for this golden era. They have been together for so long.

They have shared this success which creates magnificent team spirit. The

same manager, the same players. They have a fantastic system in place.

All the players, even the squad players. For me and lots of

people's favourites to go on and win this tournament. A fantastic side.

They are great on the eye as well. A great team to watch. That's at

10:25pm on BBC One. The Confederations Cup, part of the

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Mexico against Italy. 1-1 at halftime. Normally I ask what does

one side have to do to change things in the second-half but I would have

thought both sides would be happy and more of the same? Yes, more of

the same. It may well depend on the substitutions. A really tough one to

call. A really open game. Let's hope they keep playing at the same tempo.

It is brilliant to watch. Let's hope Mexico still go for it. I like their

attitude to the game. They are in trouble at the back, they tried to

play on. The fact that they have Dos Santos and Hernandez upfront. They

do like to play. Italy have been the better team. You would fancy Italy

to go on and win it but a very open talking about Spain and there and

did 21s get into the final of the championships where they will play

Italy on Tuesday. A good time for looking to the future and wanting to

was moving with him. -- Hector Balotelli, hearing the guys talking

about him at halftime. He looks different tonight when you see his

movement going beyond defence. He really does that at times. Tonight

he is giving them an option to go along and he is looking to come

short as well. That allows by Hector Moreno who will be

being on the strip side. He should have given a red card really. He is

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but thought better of it. He thought he should have been on the move to

bit quicker but no chance for him to get near to that. It might have been

the best option for Balotelli to take control and move out the other

direction. Certainly the focal point of the team this evening. You have

played against Italy, Kevin, do you see it as a more attack minded team?

Yes. When they went to the year rose they had a very inexperienced team.

Cesare Prandelli has really stamped his authority on to this team. He

wants more adventurous players attacking and expressing themselves.

They are certainly doing that this a better feeling around the Italian

side under Cesare Prandelli. They all look like they are enjoying

playing under him. He is strict. He does not suffer full. But he seems

to have a smile on his face and it transmits itself to the team as

through at one stage. But two players closed up on him. Carlos

Salcido's tackle. You do not often see and international game of

The ball had to be played back to Andrea Barzagli. I know you have

really taken to Emanuele Giaccherini tonight. I think he looks really

good player. Brilliant work from pressing in the second half. Good

pressure from the Italians. Forcing a corner. You mentioned Giaccherini

and Riccardo Montolivo and Daniele De Rossi. They are all attacking

this evening. Corona got a good be a yellow card? Rodriguez has

really struggled against Balotelli this evening. It is a certain yellow

card. He has got hold of his shirt and his arm. The referee certainly

didn't see it that way but that is a certain yellow card for me. I think

one or two of the Italy players are asking the question. Good play by

Balotelli. He has looked really positive tonight. His first job here

will be to pull the wall back the required distance. We know what

Pirlo can do, everyone in world football does but Balotelli is

trying to have a piece of this. You can't blame him for asking. Moreover

the same. Pirlo has just said, leave Pirlo but Mexico have decided to

make a change. Coming on is Hiram Mier of Monterrey, another one of

the team who won Olympic gold a year Corona. Ocado man lever is denied.

He caught us all by surprised. -- Riccardo Montolivo. He should be

beating the goalkeeper there. down the right-hand side. He could

not find the target. Just thinking about that free kick, do you think

he was trying to get up and over all waiting for the wall to jump? He did

not look like he had the same technique as the first one, like he

clear but for the award of a free kick to Italy. Daniele De Rossi

waving his hands around in front of the referee to blow his whistle in

not get his arm out of the way. It came off his knee as well. Bounced

Pirlo. He seems to find that real veteran midfielder who has hit a few

in his career with ones like that. think it is more the follow-through.

He has clearly won the ball. The linesman is waving his flag for the

referee to see it. That was not really a yellow card for me. You get

penalised for those follow-throughs yellow card is out for Giovanni Dos

Santos. He caused problems again. Another good ball from Andrea Pirlo

from the corner. None of the Italian players could get on the end of it.

Andrea Pirlo in the danger zone again. He relishes the opportunity

to hit it. It was on Ignazio Abate, Giovanni Dos Santos. Mario Balotelli

has been ordered away again. He is not happy about it. Andrea Pirlo

pulled the ball back to give himself more distance between himself and

the goal, so he can get the free kick up and down over the wall.

would say this is a perfect position they thought it would be another

call. It would have had to curl a long way. He has lost it! I am

joking! Brilliant execution, just could not whip the ball enough. He

got it over the wall, just could not get his body around it enough to

bring it back on target, or another Mexico think so. The man from Chile

did not. It looked like obstruction at each end, very quickly. Mario

Balotelli might have thrown away his boot. As soon as he has gone the

wrong side of the defence, the only thing the Mexican defence could do

was hold him back, he was clear. was being told this referee was one

of the strictest around, but he is giving nothing. It adds to the

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a free kick with a nudge on Hector Moreno. We have heard the loudest

Mexico chance so far. Hector Moreno, he recognised he was the

wrong side of him, and he pulled him down. It was outside the box

initially, how the referee has not seemed that... He wanted to go down

and he was waiting for the contact, but that was an assault. You could

see it clearly. As he has got the wrong side, he knew that all Hector

Moreno could do was to pull him down. It was another red card

offence. Without a doubt.That will be a goal kick. It is a poor

decision by the referee. I know Mario Balotelli gets hot under the

collar at times... Two of them, seated, which has a brand LA has not

taken a seat all night. -- but Cesare Prandelli has not taken a

seat or might. I say night, it is early evening. It is just after

5:30pm local time. We are in winter time here in the southern

fairly. Gerardo Flores begs to differ. It looks as though he has

won the ball. He just ran through the back of the Mexican player. A

very strong physical defender. Balotelli was being held this time,

it is easier to give on the halfway line. Francisco Javier Rodriguez is

in danger of losing his temper. the first half, he looks frightened

of Mario Balotelli. Every time he gets it, he wants to do something to

him too unsubtle home. Mario Balotelli has got the better of him.

That is a good tackle from Gerardo initial touch on his left foot.

Chiellini. He is only 28. excellent defender. The game is

becoming more stretched, both teams advancing and creating holes in the

Italian defence time to regroup and get themselves back into their

Emanuele Giaccherini causing problems, good movement, stretching

Hiram Mier, but Hiram Mier did well to clear the danger. Emanuele

Giaccherini has been a livewire goalkeeper. I have been impressed

with Jose-Maria the -- with Jose de Jesus Corona. He has dealt with

things and taken crosses at other times, I have been really impressed.

Solid rather than spectacular, which has not always gone for Mexican

goalkeepers down the years. That is Italy will be feeling aggrieved that

they are not in the lead. They have been the better team, but we have

seen glimpses from Mexico. We have seen what they can do, they have

players in the team that cause problems for the Italians. But Italy

have been the stronger side, and I think they are unfortunate that they

have not gone a goal up at the interval. Let's see if this makes a

difference, Alessio churchy has taken the place of Claudio

Marchisio. It will be a straight stop -- a straight swap, more or

less. It is his fifth cap, he made his debut against Brazil in March.

He has had a reputation in Italy as being flashy, talented but

for Mexico. Giovanni Dos Santos as well, he has looked very sharp, he

has carried the ball. He has drawn the foul from Ignazio Abate. He did

very well. He felt Ignazio Abate coming in behind him, it gives the

Mexican is a bit of respite, because they have been under the cosh in the

second half. Giovanni Dos Santos will take the free kick himself.

Gianluigi Buffon has not had a lot to do since half-time. He now leads

ball. If you questions about the Italy defending there. Giorgio

Chiellini holding on a bit. Referees can call that a foul. A good ball

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 120 seconds

from Andres Guardado, it tested the Italy corner. Alessio Cerci looking

to come in on his left foot, he is a Balotelli. Good play by Andrea Pirlo

again on his left side. Mario Balotelli could not get hold of the

strike. He sliced it wide. It was good play by Andrea Pirlo, he has

looked really good for Italy tonight. His goal has capped his

performance, wonderful individual play their, and on occasions in this

game. Mexico got enough numbers back. Now it is Pirlo. He has lost

the way his team have performed this evening. Overall, I think they would

love to cap it off with a win in this match. It is a great crowd for

dress sense. We have got gladiators, Mexican wrestlers,

been watching. Mexico are next up against Brazil. Italy against Japan

Brazil were excellent at times. I felt as if Japan were not good

enough. They allowed Brazil too much possession. If they had stepped up

another couple of percent they would have given the resilient team a lot

more problems. Brazil against Italy is next Saturday with the kick-off

stoppage because Daniele De Rossi is hurt somewhere in the neck area. The

arm was up from Flores. I think he has caught him. It did not look too

good. He would have been happy with referee agrees with you, Kevin. When

it was in normal time it did not seem like there was much in it but

when you see it again, he has made the challenge with his elbow high.

There are a few Italians losing what is happening here! In the

middle of all this he is playing peacemaker. The Italians are saying

it is our ball, the Mexicans are saying it is our ball. Just have an

old-fashioned dropped wall. Get on here. It has not been quite as good

best he could do. He has been really positive, trying to pull it back.

Really good defending. He made the Daniele De Rossi. There was a push

spotted and there will be a free kick. We saw the picture ourselves

and it is quite a slow service. They did water it beforehand to try and

click on the picture little bit. This could be the telling factor in

the game now. We should not really have been down there. We were well

lead! He has worked for that. On the balance of play, Italy just about

deserved that. Brilliant play by Balotelli. Every time the ball has

been played to him this evening, he has looked to the ball. Brilliant

strength by Balotelli. He finished it off really well. He is probably

going to get a yellow card for taking his shirt off. It will not

bother him one little bit. He has really struggled against Rodriguez

this evening. He just overpowered him, finished it really well giving

Corona no chance in the Mexican goal. Brilliant strength by

Balotelli and a really good physical finish. Five goals in his last nine

Italy appearances. Nine in 23 for his country all told. It is Mexico,

positive. A really impressive performance from him. I get the

feeling he is growing up. Yes, temperament has really improved over

the last year or so. He looks like a calm influence on this team, doesn't

he? Italy managed to throw away a 2-goal lead with six minutes to go

against Haiti in a warmup game. That is looking to come and take the

ball. You have some unlike Pirlo who is looking to stretch the opposition

with his passing. Overall Italy have looked really comfortable in

possession with the ball. Cesare Prandelli thought he was tripped. I

think he may be tripped himself. A of only one defeat in 23 games in

charge. He has an excellent record. This Italian side are looking so

positive and happy and playing with a little bit of flair as well. He

has instilled that in his players. They all look positive and happy

playing under him. Just a little bit of concern there are three Italian

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 120 seconds

added on. -- plus whatever is added Just easing the pressure on the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 120 seconds

They play Brazil up in the North on thing to do. He just plays on one

pace. For the whole of this match he has hardly broken a sweat. A

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 120 seconds

striker. I wonder if it will be Jimenez is going through his

side. Mexico probably need something to give them an injection into this

game. Mario Balotelli's number is up but he has delivered on the big

stage. That is the moment he will remember most tonight. And excellent

performance by Balotelli, a wonderful goal. Rodriguez has given

him so much trouble all evening but he finished it so well. On comes

another member of the World Cup winning squad in 2006, Alberto

Gilardino. He is 30 now. Raising the average age on the picture little. A

Mexico change as well. Jesus Zavala, and midfield man has been replaced

by Raul Jimenez. He is a tall striker. He plays a second striker

for his club side, Club America as On Thursday, Spain against Heatley.

Best of luck to the French Polynesians. I will be covering that

game. People are talking about it players will get experience of

that, he can make another change. It is the former Liverpool man, Alberto

Aquilani, coming on. He is taking the place of one of your stars,

Emanuele Giaccherini. I think he has had an excellent game, his

movement, his pace, he has linked well with Mario Balotelli, a really

impressive performance. It might be a good free or four games for

Alberto Aquilani, he missed out on the World Cup and European

Championships, so this is a chance for him to make sure of a place in

the Italy squad. We did not see the best of him in England. We have not

seen many saves from Gianluigi Buffon too much. That is a good

driving run. We talk about the balls, if you get a strike on

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 120 seconds

target, it is always going to cause intensity, because they won their

opening game in the last Confederations Cup and then the lost

the next two. They crashed out at the group stage. Then, as now, their

ball. They have done this in the second half. It is typical of these

performance by the Italians, influenced by Andrea Pirlo, but they

goal, and Mexico might get a draw allowing the Mexicans possession,

More time ticks away. Very comfortable at the back, the

Italians in possession, Gianluigi Buffon eyeing more time to see this

the throw in. The referee once Carlos Salcido, taking the wind out

of Alessio Cerci's sales. A high boot, anything over the waste, the

referee gives the free kick. He did seem to catch Alessio Cerci. It is a

free kick. The Italians will keep the ball in the corner. Alberto

Gilardino is waiting for the ball in the box, but I do not think it will

get there. It is not the right time Pirlo has crowned his 100th game for

his country with a superb free kick. the Italian camp, they deserved

victory? Welcome, Mexico, but the superstars were out tonight. That is

what it came down to. Let's talk about one of them, Mario Balotelli.

Did you notice that Mexico's approach to him changed? Yes, he was

given too much time in the first half. He was dominating. So the

manager has said to Francisco Javier Rodriguez, do a man to man on Mario

Balotelli, the tighter and stronger. I expected more from Rodriguez. He

let Mario Balotelli roll him. For somebody who has got over 80 caps,

vastly experienced, 31 years old, he played for PSP, Stuttgart, he should

have done a better job. Mario Balotelli won the battle. They did

it the wrong way. They got tighter, but Mario Balotelli was too clever.

You can be over physical. That is a certain red card. As soon as Mario

Balotelli feels the contact, he goes over. The referee had a poor game.

The eyes are on the man rather than on the ball. As we will see when it

comes to the goal, it was partly their downfall. We can see

everything good that Italy did, it went through Andrea Pirlo... The

other players do the donkey work. What is Rodriguez doing? He should

be taking a step back. He is concentrating more on Mario

Balotelli down on the ball. Mario Balotelli did brilliantly. It is a

lovely finish. He likes to put the ball in the back of the net.

knows where it is, and he could have had a hat-trick. He really impressed

me tonight. He showed great strength when he put that M. Let's look at

Andrea Pirlo's goal. Fantastic. Every time he got the ball, he

looked very good indeed. When he gets the ball here, you know there

is any possibility that he will do that. Anybody who watches him knows.

You cannot teach this, this is genius. He got a lot of

opportunities tonight. If you have got Mario Balotelli up there, people

will get tight to him, he will win fouls, so you will get

opportunities. Mario Balotelli was miffed that he could not take any

free kicks, but if you have got two course he was not going to save it,

but do not pull your hand away! But early on from Andrea Pirlo, early on

from Mario Balotelli, and that is the difference. We have seen all

four sides in this group, with August last year. Mexico have got a

good record against Brazil. They have beaten them six times since the

turn-of-the-century. They will attack. They will have to do that,

because they are already behind in the league table. Brazil are not

going to play any other way anyway, so that will be exciting. Another

one to look forward to. If Italy were to beat Japan, it would make

Brazil against Italy a dead rubber, but entertaining. It will be a dead

rubber, I do fancy them to win their next game is, and the big one is on

Saturday night. But they will want to go out and perform, Brazil will

want to play in front of their fans. If they want to win the group, they

will look at who they will play next. We have been asking for a vote

on who is better, result 1970 or Spain 2010. -- Brazil 1970. It has

been close. 55% going for Brazil, 45% going for Spain, which

highlights how difficult a question it was. You expect the younger

generation using Twitter to skew it towards Spain, but it is not. People

look at that is ill side as being the greatest side ever. I am the

only one who can remember them playing, but they were fabulous.

That is a painful one to judge. only the only one who can remember,

the only one who was born! Thank you both of you. Coming up on BBC One,

Gary Lineker, and Alan Shearer, the world champions in action, Spain

against Uruguay at 10:25pm. Thank This is it! That is the goal! Spain