World Cup 2014 Photos: Italy overcome England 2-1

[caption id=“attachment_1571455” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] A second half headed goal from Mario Balotelli helped Italy beat England 2-1 in Manaus. Claudio Marchisio gave Italy the lead in the 35th minute. Andrea Pirlo set up Marchisio who drilled in a low shot from 25 yards past goalkeeper Joe Hart. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571469” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Marchisio set off in wild celebrations after the first goal. His goal made sure that Italy scored in the 15th match running in World Cup. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571465” align=“alignleft” width=“940”]
England replied almost instantaneously as Daniel Sturridge equalised two minutes later. Wayne Rooney provided a beautiful cross and Sturridge steered it into the net calmly. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571467” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Sturridge performed his signature jig after scoring the equaliser against Italy. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571475” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Rooney cools off during the game against Italy. The heat in Manaus seemed to be taking its toll on the players. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571477” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] The defining moment of the match came in the second half when Mario Balotelli gave Italy the lead in the 50th minute. Candreva provided the cross and Balotelli headed home. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571479” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Super Mario became the first Italian since Fabio Quagliarella in 2010 to score on his World Cup debut. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571481” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Super Mario was the clear favourite amongst the fans and they displayed famous cutouts of the maverick striker in the stadium. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571483” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] The unsung hero of the match was Andrea Pirlo. The veteran magician wielded his magic and was unlucky to miss out on scoring in the dying minutes of the game when his splendid freekick hit the crossbar. He completed a remarkable 108 passes in the game. It’s the highest recorded by a player in the World Cup 2014 so far. AFP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_1571489” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Wayne Rooney congratulates the Italian players after the final whistle. All, in all, it was an entertaining game and Italy held their nerves to win it 2-1. AFP[/caption]