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Colombia 3-0 Greece: Armero, Gutierrez & Rodriguez give Pekerman's men perfect start
England 1-2 Italy: Balotelli heads Azzurri to victory
Italy made the perfect start to their World Cup campaign, beating Group D rivals England 2-1 in Manaus on Saturday.
Labelled as the 'rumble in jungle' heading into the match, Italy continued their domination over England thanks to goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli at the Arena Amazonia.Daniel Sturridge had England on level terms at half-time, after cancelling out Marchisio's 35th-minute opener within two minutes.
But Balotelli repaid the faith shown in him by coach Cesare Prandelli, popping up to head home the winner five minutes after the break as England were left with just two wins in their past 12 international meetings against Italy.The Azzurri are back in action against Costa Rica on Friday, while England face Uruguay a day earlier.
Roy Hodgson made just one change from the team that stuttered to a goalless draw against Honduras in their final warm-up match, with Raheem Sterling free from suspension to replace Adam Lallana in midfield.It was a different story for Italy, who were forced into two changes.
Captain Gianluigi Buffon failed to overcome an ankle strain and was replaced by Salvatore Sirigu in goal, while full-back Mattia De Sciglio also dropped out through injury and Matteo Darmian took his place in the starting XI.Up front, Prandelli decided to stick with wayward striker Balotelli, despite Ciro Immobile's hat-trick display against Brazilian club Fluminense midweek.
Much had been said about the weather in Manaus leading into the match but conditions did not affect the early exchanges as both teams pressed forward.
Although, as far as chances were concerned inside the opening 20 minutes, both sides were limited to long-range efforts, with Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Antonio Candreva trying their luck from distance.
England did come close to breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute, albeit fortuitously, when Danny Welbeck's low pass across the penalty area deflected off Andrea Barzagli and just narrowly wide of the far post with Sturridge lurking.However, it was Italy who opened the scoring courtesy of Marchisio 11 minutes before the half-time interval after a well-executed short corner.
Candreva passed to Andrea Pirlo on the edge of the box and the veteran midfielder let the ball run through to Marchisio, who fired a low shot past goalkeeper Joe Hart from 25 yards.
The Italian's lead was short-lived as their lack of pace in defence was exposed two minutes later.After a swift counter-attacking move, Wayne Rooney was freed on the left and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Sturridge to convert on the half volley.
England and Italy went into the break on level terms but it took the four-time world champions just five minutes of the second half to restore their lead, this time thanks to Balotelli.
Candreva was in the thick of the action again, beating Leighton Baines to pick out Balotelli at the back post and the AC Milan striker leapt highest to nod home his first international goal since October last year.Rooney had a great chance to restore parity and net his first World Cup goal, however, he fluffed his lines inside the penalty area on the hour-mark.
Hodgson introduced midfield trio Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere and Adam Lallana in search of an equaliser but it was Italy that came closest to a late goal with Pirlo hitting the crossbar with a free-kick in stoppage time, as they emerged triumphant in just their second World Cup clash against England.
Italy made the perfect start to their World Cup campaign, beating Group D rivals England 2-1 in Manaus on Saturday.
Labelled as the 'rumble in jungle' heading into the match, Italy continued their domination over England thanks to goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli at the Arena Amazonia.Daniel Sturridge had England on level terms at half-time, after cancelling out Marchisio's 35th-minute opener within two minutes.
But Balotelli repaid the faith shown in him by coach Cesare Prandelli, popping up to head home the winner five minutes after the break as England were left with just two wins in their past 12 international meetings against Italy.The Azzurri are back in action against Costa Rica on Friday, while England face Uruguay a day earlier.
Roy Hodgson made just one change from the team that stuttered to a goalless draw against Honduras in their final warm-up match, with Raheem Sterling free from suspension to replace Adam Lallana in midfield.It was a different story for Italy, who were forced into two changes.
Captain Gianluigi Buffon failed to overcome an ankle strain and was replaced by Salvatore Sirigu in goal, while full-back Mattia De Sciglio also dropped out through injury and Matteo Darmian took his place in the starting XI.Up front, Prandelli decided to stick with wayward striker Balotelli, despite Ciro Immobile's hat-trick display against Brazilian club Fluminense midweek.
Much had been said about the weather in Manaus leading into the match but conditions did not affect the early exchanges as both teams pressed forward.
Although, as far as chances were concerned inside the opening 20 minutes, both sides were limited to long-range efforts, with Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Antonio Candreva trying their luck from distance.
England did come close to breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute, albeit fortuitously, when Danny Welbeck's low pass across the penalty area deflected off Andrea Barzagli and just narrowly wide of the far post with Sturridge lurking.However, it was Italy who opened the scoring courtesy of Marchisio 11 minutes before the half-time interval after a well-executed short corner.
Candreva passed to Andrea Pirlo on the edge of the box and the veteran midfielder let the ball run through to Marchisio, who fired a low shot past goalkeeper Joe Hart from 25 yards.
The Italian's lead was short-lived as their lack of pace in defence was exposed two minutes later.After a swift counter-attacking move, Wayne Rooney was freed on the left and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Sturridge to convert on the half volley.
England and Italy went into the break on level terms but it took the four-time world champions just five minutes of the second half to restore their lead, this time thanks to Balotelli.
Candreva was in the thick of the action again, beating Leighton Baines to pick out Balotelli at the back post and the AC Milan striker leapt highest to nod home his first international goal since October last year.Rooney had a great chance to restore parity and net his first World Cup goal, however, he fluffed his lines inside the penalty area on the hour-mark.
Hodgson introduced midfield trio Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere and Adam Lallana in search of an equaliser but it was Italy that came closest to a late goal with Pirlo hitting the crossbar with a free-kick in stoppage time, as they emerged triumphant in just their second World Cup clash against England.
Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 Japan: Gervinho & Bony head home to deny Honda hammering
Second-half headers from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho completed a Cote d'Ivoire comeback as they defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday.
Keisuke Honda put Alberto Zaccheroni's men into the lead with a wonderful finish, controlling the ball in the box with his first touch then hammering into the top corner at the near post with his second touch.
Sabri Lamouchi's team were profligate in the first half but Didier Drogba's arrival in the second half sparked the Elephants into life and quickfire headers midway through the second half turned the scoreline on its head.
Full-back Serge Aurier created both goals with impressive crosses from the right with Bony and Gervinho taking advantage, although the latter benefited from poor goalkeeping from Japan's Eiji Kawashima.
Saturday's game was the first time Cote d'Ivoire have won their opening fixture at a World Cup as the African nation look to claim a maiden berth in the knockout stages in their third consecutive appearance at the global tournament.The shock in the two starting line-ups was the absence of captain Drogba from Cote d'Ivoire's XI, after he failed to recover from a thigh strain suffered at training on Wednesday.
Bony took Drogba's spot up front, while coach Sabri Lamouchi made two other changes to the XI that began Cote d'Ivoire's 2-1 win over El Salvador with Kolo Toure - who had struggled with malaria before the tournament - and Max Gradel being replaced by Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure.
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni recalled Makoto Hasebe after the captain recovered from a knee injury to make just his third appearance for club or country this year.
Hasebe started as one of two holding midfielders alongside Hotaru Yamaguchi, while Yuya Osako got the nod in Japan's most troublesome position: centre forward.
Of the four strikers in Zaccheroni's squad, Osako was the only one yet to have scored for Japan in 2014 but started at the point of their attack ahead of Shinji Okazaki, Yoshito Okubo and Yoichiro Kakitani.Okazaki started on the right wing, while Okubo and Kakitani were named on the bench.
Cote d'Ivoire had 59.7 per cent possession in the first half with the Africans starting stronger, as Bony received the ball in the box before his shot was deflected past the post in the sixth minute.
But Japan edged their way into the game and in the 16th minute they hit the front.
Yuto Nagatomo collected a throw-in and fed Honda on the edge of the box, and the Milan man slipped away from his marker and fired a thunderous strike into the top corner.
Atsuto Uchida could have made it 2-0 five minutes later but the full-back's powerful drive was parried by Boubacar Barry, before Cote d'Ivoire's goalkeeper was almost chipped by Honda.
While the Elephants had more of the ball, they generally struggled to break down Japan's well-organised defence and their best opportunities came on the counter-attack.After Yaya Toure and Arthur Boka just missed the target with free kicks, Gervinho got free on the break in the 34th minute only for a scrambling Maya Yoshida to block his shot with a sliding challenge.
Honda slalomed through the opposition defence soon after only to watch his deflected shot loop over the bar, while Cote d'Ivoire had a couple of half chances to Salomon Kalou and Boka but were unable to beat Kawashima.
After a frantic first half, the second started slightly slower but in the 57th minute Cote d'Ivoire had a penalty claim ignored after Yaya Toure's drive into the box ended with a stumble following Yoshida's sliding challenge.
Drogba was brought on in the 62nd minute for Serey Die and almost created a goal immediately with a back-heel to Gervinho before Japan's defence scrambled the ball clear.But Cote d'Ivoire fans did not need to wait long for an equaliser with Bony getting between Yoshida and Masato Morishige to nod Aurier's fine cross past Kawashima in the 64th minute.
A cross from Aurier set up Cote d'Ivoire's second goal soon after but Kawashima would have been unhappy with his effort, failing to stop Gervinho's header despite getting two hands to the ball at the near post.Kawashima did better in the 82nd minute, parrying Drogba's free-kick away, while the striker had a shot deflected past the post soon after.
But it mattered little as Cote d'Ivoire moved into second in Group C behind Colombia ahead of their clash on Thursday, while Japan face Greece on the same day.
Second-half headers from Wilfried Bony and Gervinho completed a Cote d'Ivoire comeback as they defeated Japan 2-1 on Saturday.
Keisuke Honda put Alberto Zaccheroni's men into the lead with a wonderful finish, controlling the ball in the box with his first touch then hammering into the top corner at the near post with his second touch.
Sabri Lamouchi's team were profligate in the first half but Didier Drogba's arrival in the second half sparked the Elephants into life and quickfire headers midway through the second half turned the scoreline on its head.
Full-back Serge Aurier created both goals with impressive crosses from the right with Bony and Gervinho taking advantage, although the latter benefited from poor goalkeeping from Japan's Eiji Kawashima.
Saturday's game was the first time Cote d'Ivoire have won their opening fixture at a World Cup as the African nation look to claim a maiden berth in the knockout stages in their third consecutive appearance at the global tournament.The shock in the two starting line-ups was the absence of captain Drogba from Cote d'Ivoire's XI, after he failed to recover from a thigh strain suffered at training on Wednesday.
Bony took Drogba's spot up front, while coach Sabri Lamouchi made two other changes to the XI that began Cote d'Ivoire's 2-1 win over El Salvador with Kolo Toure - who had struggled with malaria before the tournament - and Max Gradel being replaced by Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure.
Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni recalled Makoto Hasebe after the captain recovered from a knee injury to make just his third appearance for club or country this year.
Hasebe started as one of two holding midfielders alongside Hotaru Yamaguchi, while Yuya Osako got the nod in Japan's most troublesome position: centre forward.
Of the four strikers in Zaccheroni's squad, Osako was the only one yet to have scored for Japan in 2014 but started at the point of their attack ahead of Shinji Okazaki, Yoshito Okubo and Yoichiro Kakitani.Okazaki started on the right wing, while Okubo and Kakitani were named on the bench.
Cote d'Ivoire had 59.7 per cent possession in the first half with the Africans starting stronger, as Bony received the ball in the box before his shot was deflected past the post in the sixth minute.
But Japan edged their way into the game and in the 16th minute they hit the front.
Yuto Nagatomo collected a throw-in and fed Honda on the edge of the box, and the Milan man slipped away from his marker and fired a thunderous strike into the top corner.
Atsuto Uchida could have made it 2-0 five minutes later but the full-back's powerful drive was parried by Boubacar Barry, before Cote d'Ivoire's goalkeeper was almost chipped by Honda.
While the Elephants had more of the ball, they generally struggled to break down Japan's well-organised defence and their best opportunities came on the counter-attack.After Yaya Toure and Arthur Boka just missed the target with free kicks, Gervinho got free on the break in the 34th minute only for a scrambling Maya Yoshida to block his shot with a sliding challenge.
Honda slalomed through the opposition defence soon after only to watch his deflected shot loop over the bar, while Cote d'Ivoire had a couple of half chances to Salomon Kalou and Boka but were unable to beat Kawashima.
After a frantic first half, the second started slightly slower but in the 57th minute Cote d'Ivoire had a penalty claim ignored after Yaya Toure's drive into the box ended with a stumble following Yoshida's sliding challenge.
Drogba was brought on in the 62nd minute for Serey Die and almost created a goal immediately with a back-heel to Gervinho before Japan's defence scrambled the ball clear.But Cote d'Ivoire fans did not need to wait long for an equaliser with Bony getting between Yoshida and Masato Morishige to nod Aurier's fine cross past Kawashima in the 64th minute.
A cross from Aurier set up Cote d'Ivoire's second goal soon after but Kawashima would have been unhappy with his effort, failing to stop Gervinho's header despite getting two hands to the ball at the near post.Kawashima did better in the 82nd minute, parrying Drogba's free-kick away, while the striker had a shot deflected past the post soon after.
But it mattered little as Cote d'Ivoire moved into second in Group C behind Colombia ahead of their clash on Thursday, while Japan face Greece on the same day.
Italy beat a brilliant England - Prandelli
Cesare Prandelli believes England have one of the best attacks at the World Cup and was thrilled to see Italy defeat them 2-1 on Saturday.
The Three Lions started stronger but the Azzurri took the lead - Claudio Marchisio striking from distance after a set piece routine straight out of the training ground.
England responded with a Daniel Sturridge goal before half-time, but Mario Balotelli's header early in the second half gave all three points to the four-time world champions.
Prandelli was proud that his Italy team held off Roy Hodgson's attackers, whom he considers to be among the greatest in the tournament, for most of the match and was thrilled to see his tactics pay off in Manaus.
"Our logic was that we don't have players who are explosive and as powerful as England so we had to enhance the abilities of our players," the trainer said.
"They have technical players who are very good, in the first half we had better position, we could've been better in defence but this is the way to go.
"We thought that we would line up with Daniele De Rossi, Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo in the centre of midfield to try to have the numerical superiority.
"We did have it at times but we need to improve in vertical play, because Antonio Candreva and Claudio Marchisio were always in the right position.
"We balanced our game because England are a very strong team, four or five players have an amazing ability to sprint. In 90 minutes you can't be perfect and there were a few moments we were caught out.
"Teams change and they evolve; England play differently than 20 years ago. Up until a few years ago they played long balls and headers, but now they are very good, not just one on one but they play incisive passes.
"We knew because England changed a lot, that they play a version of 4-2-3-1 and they have one of the strongest attacks at the World Cup. That's why I am satisfied because we played a really great team."
Italy will hope to continue with their winning ways when they face Costa Rica on Friday before coming up against Uruguay on June 24.
Regardless of what happens for the rest of the tournament, they have already picked up more points in this World Cup than they did in the entirety of the last competition four years ago.
Cesare Prandelli believes England have one of the best attacks at the World Cup and was thrilled to see Italy defeat them 2-1 on Saturday.
The Three Lions started stronger but the Azzurri took the lead - Claudio Marchisio striking from distance after a set piece routine straight out of the training ground.
England responded with a Daniel Sturridge goal before half-time, but Mario Balotelli's header early in the second half gave all three points to the four-time world champions.
Prandelli was proud that his Italy team held off Roy Hodgson's attackers, whom he considers to be among the greatest in the tournament, for most of the match and was thrilled to see his tactics pay off in Manaus.
"Our logic was that we don't have players who are explosive and as powerful as England so we had to enhance the abilities of our players," the trainer said.
"They have technical players who are very good, in the first half we had better position, we could've been better in defence but this is the way to go.
"We thought that we would line up with Daniele De Rossi, Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo in the centre of midfield to try to have the numerical superiority.
"We did have it at times but we need to improve in vertical play, because Antonio Candreva and Claudio Marchisio were always in the right position.
"We balanced our game because England are a very strong team, four or five players have an amazing ability to sprint. In 90 minutes you can't be perfect and there were a few moments we were caught out.
"Teams change and they evolve; England play differently than 20 years ago. Up until a few years ago they played long balls and headers, but now they are very good, not just one on one but they play incisive passes.
"We knew because England changed a lot, that they play a version of 4-2-3-1 and they have one of the strongest attacks at the World Cup. That's why I am satisfied because we played a really great team."
Italy will hope to continue with their winning ways when they face Costa Rica on Friday before coming up against Uruguay on June 24.
Regardless of what happens for the rest of the tournament, they have already picked up more points in this World Cup than they did in the entirety of the last competition four years ago.
Balotelli tells World Cup: You all must fear Italy
Mario Balotelli has warned the rest of the World Cup that they must fear Italy after their 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
The Azzurri took the lead over Roy Hodgson's men with a well-worked set-piece which culminated in Claudio Marchisio driving home from 25 yards, but Daniel Sturridge levelled shortly afterwards to ensure the teams were even at the break.
However, five minutes after the restart, Balotelli nodded in following Antonio Candreva's pinpoint cross to give Cesare Prandelli's team the win and the AC Milan attacker is convinced that they put in a top performance considering the opposition and conditions in the heart of the Amazon.
"It's a great emotional occasion for me, I've never played in the World Cup," the 23-year-old told Sky Sport. "I dedicate the goal to my future wife, my family that was in the stands and my friends.
"We will go step by step from here, England are a good team. We played well, struggling in the heat, but it was important to win.
"All teams are worth fearing but now everone else must also fear us."
Fellow goalscorer Claudio Marchisio expanded on the sentiment that the temperatures were detrimental in Manaus and insisted that Italy would not assume that knockout stage qualification is already theirs.
"It was important to start in the right way, especially on a day where it was really difficult to play football," the Juventus midfielder said. "I seemed to have hallucinations because of the heat. We also showed great lucidity."
"It's a long way to go, we have seen that with every game you do not know how it might end, we saw Costa Rica's win over Uruguay, so we will face them with the utmost care - we aren't through the group stage yet."
Mario Balotelli has warned the rest of the World Cup that they must fear Italy after their 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
The Azzurri took the lead over Roy Hodgson's men with a well-worked set-piece which culminated in Claudio Marchisio driving home from 25 yards, but Daniel Sturridge levelled shortly afterwards to ensure the teams were even at the break.
However, five minutes after the restart, Balotelli nodded in following Antonio Candreva's pinpoint cross to give Cesare Prandelli's team the win and the AC Milan attacker is convinced that they put in a top performance considering the opposition and conditions in the heart of the Amazon.
"It's a great emotional occasion for me, I've never played in the World Cup," the 23-year-old told Sky Sport. "I dedicate the goal to my future wife, my family that was in the stands and my friends.
"We will go step by step from here, England are a good team. We played well, struggling in the heat, but it was important to win.
"All teams are worth fearing but now everone else must also fear us."
Fellow goalscorer Claudio Marchisio expanded on the sentiment that the temperatures were detrimental in Manaus and insisted that Italy would not assume that knockout stage qualification is already theirs.
"It was important to start in the right way, especially on a day where it was really difficult to play football," the Juventus midfielder said. "I seemed to have hallucinations because of the heat. We also showed great lucidity."
"It's a long way to go, we have seen that with every game you do not know how it might end, we saw Costa Rica's win over Uruguay, so we will face them with the utmost care - we aren't through the group stage yet."
Balotelli gave everything - Prandelli
Cesare Prandelli showered Mario Balotelli with praise after the striker scored the winning goal in Italy's 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
The AC Milan forward made the difference in his side's first match of the World Cup, heading in at the back post in the second half, after Daniel Sturridge had equalised following Claudio Marchisio's opener.
Prandelli was delighted that hard work in training ahead of the tournament had given his team the edge fitness-wise over the Three Lions but admitted that domination over Roy Hodgson's men was hard to keep up.
"It's a shame that it was impossible to maintain the intensity we showed at times," the Azzurri coach told Rai Sport. "The team suffered in the heat, but we maintained supremacy in midfield.
"We worked well in training for the World Cup and we saw in the second half that England players were the ones who had cramp, not us, and this means that our work has paid off.
"Balotelli gave all he could give. Everyone gave their best."
Italy next clash with Group D leaders Costa Rica on Friday before facing Uruguay - who are currently bottom of the four-team table - on June 24.
Cesare Prandelli showered Mario Balotelli with praise after the striker scored the winning goal in Italy's 2-1 win over England on Saturday.
The AC Milan forward made the difference in his side's first match of the World Cup, heading in at the back post in the second half, after Daniel Sturridge had equalised following Claudio Marchisio's opener.
Prandelli was delighted that hard work in training ahead of the tournament had given his team the edge fitness-wise over the Three Lions but admitted that domination over Roy Hodgson's men was hard to keep up.
"It's a shame that it was impossible to maintain the intensity we showed at times," the Azzurri coach told Rai Sport. "The team suffered in the heat, but we maintained supremacy in midfield.
"We worked well in training for the World Cup and we saw in the second half that England players were the ones who had cramp, not us, and this means that our work has paid off.
"Balotelli gave all he could give. Everyone gave their best."
Italy next clash with Group D leaders Costa Rica on Friday before facing Uruguay - who are currently bottom of the four-team table - on June 24.
Hodgson defends under-fire Rooney
England manager Roy Hodgson has launched a staunch defence of Wayne Rooney’s performance during his side’s defeat to Italy in their World Cup opener.
The Manchester United star provided the assist for Daniel Sturridge’s equaliser but was otherwise out of sorts stationed out on the left wing and missed a golden chance to earn England a point when he dragged his shot from 12 yards narrowly wide.
Rooney has now gone nine World Cup matches without scoring a goal but Hodgson insists he still has a vital part to play ahead of a must-win encounter against Uruguay on Thursday.
"I think it's very harsh to say he didn't look comfortable on the left," Hodgson told the BBC when it was suggested Rooney struggled on the wing.
"I thought he actually did very well and set up our goal with a fine piece of play. We know we can play Wayne in many different positions and I think he has to be pretty satisfied with his performance.
"It's looking for things to suggest he didn't do well in that position because I think he did."
Hodgson stressed England were unlucky to end the game empty-handed, and praised the efforts of his other attacking talents Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and youngster Raheem Sterling.
He continued: "Raheem Sterling was very, very dangerous throughout the game. The front players in the first half; Sturridge I thought was excellent right the way through.
"Welbeck had some very good moments and Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson did exactly what I expected of them.
"It's a bit tough at the moment to accept we've lost the game because, especially in the second half, there were so few shots on our goal. Joe Hart has had a pretty quiet evening really and yet in the end we find ourselves having lost it.
"We know we played against a good team, we know Italy will be there or thereabouts so to take them so close gives us great confidence that going forward we can do well against Uruguay and Costa Rica and still progress in the tournament.
England now face a Uruguay side who also lost their opening group game - a 3-1 reverse to Costa Rica - but Hodgson has backed his players to take heart from their performance heading into Thursday's clash.
"We are a bit down-hearted and sad the game didn't go our way. We were hoping for a perfect start. I've got great confidence we can do well enough in the next two games to qualify," he concluded.
England manager Roy Hodgson has launched a staunch defence of Wayne Rooney’s performance during his side’s defeat to Italy in their World Cup opener.
The Manchester United star provided the assist for Daniel Sturridge’s equaliser but was otherwise out of sorts stationed out on the left wing and missed a golden chance to earn England a point when he dragged his shot from 12 yards narrowly wide.
Rooney has now gone nine World Cup matches without scoring a goal but Hodgson insists he still has a vital part to play ahead of a must-win encounter against Uruguay on Thursday.
"I think it's very harsh to say he didn't look comfortable on the left," Hodgson told the BBC when it was suggested Rooney struggled on the wing.
"I thought he actually did very well and set up our goal with a fine piece of play. We know we can play Wayne in many different positions and I think he has to be pretty satisfied with his performance.
"It's looking for things to suggest he didn't do well in that position because I think he did."
Hodgson stressed England were unlucky to end the game empty-handed, and praised the efforts of his other attacking talents Danny Welbeck, Daniel Sturridge and youngster Raheem Sterling.
He continued: "Raheem Sterling was very, very dangerous throughout the game. The front players in the first half; Sturridge I thought was excellent right the way through.
"Welbeck had some very good moments and Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson did exactly what I expected of them.
"It's a bit tough at the moment to accept we've lost the game because, especially in the second half, there were so few shots on our goal. Joe Hart has had a pretty quiet evening really and yet in the end we find ourselves having lost it.
"We know we played against a good team, we know Italy will be there or thereabouts so to take them so close gives us great confidence that going forward we can do well against Uruguay and Costa Rica and still progress in the tournament.
England now face a Uruguay side who also lost their opening group game - a 3-1 reverse to Costa Rica - but Hodgson has backed his players to take heart from their performance heading into Thursday's clash.
"We are a bit down-hearted and sad the game didn't go our way. We were hoping for a perfect start. I've got great confidence we can do well enough in the next two games to qualify," he concluded.
It's always him - Balotelli proves he is Italy's main man
When Mario Balotelli asked "Why always me?" back in 2011 the answer was because he always made himself the story, via fireworks or bust-ups. Now, in 2014, it is because he is Italy's best hope of success at the World Cup.
The AC Milan striker is under more pressure to perform than any of his team-mates this summer, and has had to deal with calls to install Ciro Immobile in the line-up at his expense.
The questions being asked are with justification. It was a tumultuous season for Balotelli at San Siro, and potentially his last. He picked up almost as many cards as goals for the Rossoneri - 14 yellows, one red and 18 goals - and often looked dismayed at what was going on around him.
Far from being the main man, as he is once again expected to be for Italy, he struggled, and clubs around Europe - including in England - started to weigh up the pros and cons of prising this engima away from his 'dream' club. It seemed the only pro would be that he would be cheap, given Milan's willingness to sever ties.
Take into account Immobile's success - he was Serie A's top scorer with 22 goals - the calls for the Torino man to lead the line for his country were both inevitable and understandable.
But it was Balotelli who was there in Manaus on Saturday, dropping deep to link up with a promising midfield trio, and there at the backpost five minutes into the second half to head home the decisive goal, which gives the Azzurri an excellent chance of advancing from Group D as winners.
His performance showed the importance of letting your main man get on with his job. Had Cesare Prandelli felt the need to play Immobile, it highly unlikely he would have moved Balo out wide, as Roy Hodgson has opted to deploy Wayne Rooney.
Balotelli almost put his side ahead on the stroke of half-time, with a cool, nonchalant chip which had left Joe Hart, all at sea following a near Andrea Pirlo through-ball, completely marooned. Phil Jagielka came to the rescue on that occasion but his partner Gary Cahill was nowhere to be seen when Balotelli drifted to the back stick to nod home Antonio Candreva's delightful cross.
Balotelli struggled for service in the opening exchanges, understandably failing to control wayward passes sent in his general direction. But when given a fighting chance, he proved the big, strong centre-forward he has always threatened to be, laying the ball off to his team-mates with head or chest.
Immobile did replace Balotelli as a 73rd-minute substitute. His cameo was not particularly impressive, though, spurning one good opportunity on the break which could have put the game to bed.
As on Saturday, Balotelli will be there again in Recife to spearhead his nation's hopes of beating Costa Rica, who earlier boosted their own chances of progression with victory over Uruguay. With his team-mates bubbling along nicely behind it, it could well be all about Mario in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.
When Mario Balotelli asked "Why always me?" back in 2011 the answer was because he always made himself the story, via fireworks or bust-ups. Now, in 2014, it is because he is Italy's best hope of success at the World Cup.
The AC Milan striker is under more pressure to perform than any of his team-mates this summer, and has had to deal with calls to install Ciro Immobile in the line-up at his expense.
The questions being asked are with justification. It was a tumultuous season for Balotelli at San Siro, and potentially his last. He picked up almost as many cards as goals for the Rossoneri - 14 yellows, one red and 18 goals - and often looked dismayed at what was going on around him.
Far from being the main man, as he is once again expected to be for Italy, he struggled, and clubs around Europe - including in England - started to weigh up the pros and cons of prising this engima away from his 'dream' club. It seemed the only pro would be that he would be cheap, given Milan's willingness to sever ties.
Take into account Immobile's success - he was Serie A's top scorer with 22 goals - the calls for the Torino man to lead the line for his country were both inevitable and understandable.
But it was Balotelli who was there in Manaus on Saturday, dropping deep to link up with a promising midfield trio, and there at the backpost five minutes into the second half to head home the decisive goal, which gives the Azzurri an excellent chance of advancing from Group D as winners.
His performance showed the importance of letting your main man get on with his job. Had Cesare Prandelli felt the need to play Immobile, it highly unlikely he would have moved Balo out wide, as Roy Hodgson has opted to deploy Wayne Rooney.
Balotelli almost put his side ahead on the stroke of half-time, with a cool, nonchalant chip which had left Joe Hart, all at sea following a near Andrea Pirlo through-ball, completely marooned. Phil Jagielka came to the rescue on that occasion but his partner Gary Cahill was nowhere to be seen when Balotelli drifted to the back stick to nod home Antonio Candreva's delightful cross.
Balotelli struggled for service in the opening exchanges, understandably failing to control wayward passes sent in his general direction. But when given a fighting chance, he proved the big, strong centre-forward he has always threatened to be, laying the ball off to his team-mates with head or chest.
Immobile did replace Balotelli as a 73rd-minute substitute. His cameo was not particularly impressive, though, spurning one good opportunity on the break which could have put the game to bed.
As on Saturday, Balotelli will be there again in Recife to spearhead his nation's hopes of beating Costa Rica, who earlier boosted their own chances of progression with victory over Uruguay. With his team-mates bubbling along nicely behind it, it could well be all about Mario in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.
Gerrard: England are not out of it yet
England captain Steven Gerrard feels that the Three Lions showed enough in defeat against Italy to suggest that they can still make it out of World Cup Group D.
Claudio Marchisio's first-half opener was swiftly cancelled out by Daniel Sturridge's goal but Mario Balotelli struck early in the second period and, despite long periods of pressure, Roy Hodgson's men could not find another equaliser in Manaus.
With rivals Uruguay having earlier suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, though, Gerrard remains hopeful of progression.
"Whatever the result tonight we would have had to go and beat Uruguay anyway," he told BBC Sport after the game on Saturday. "The challenge is a bit more difficult but certainly doable.
"Italy are a good team but we knew how they were going to play. They never surprised us. It's disappointing because we put so much into it and came away with nothing."
England were enterprising despite the defeat, with the likes of youngster Raheem Sterling impressing in an exciting attack, and the skipper was pleased with their intent.
"We got criticised four years ago for sitting back and being toothless but anyone who watched the game could see we were trying to create," he enthused.
"We pushed and pushed. We gave it everything we've got and were unlucky not to get anything out of it.
"The chances were there and we created them. Maybe we need to look at finishing a few more chances off but we can't point any fingers because everyone has given everything they've got tonight. The effort, desire and commitment was there.
"We weren't sure how Italy would improve from two years ago but they certainly found another gear," he added. "If we look at the game as a whole we can be pleased. It just goes to show how cruel this level can be.
"It was a tough night but, whatever the conditions, it was always going to be tough playing Italy. It was warm, sticky, dry and moving under the foot but they are just excuses at the end of the day and we are still not out of this group."
England captain Steven Gerrard feels that the Three Lions showed enough in defeat against Italy to suggest that they can still make it out of World Cup Group D.
Claudio Marchisio's first-half opener was swiftly cancelled out by Daniel Sturridge's goal but Mario Balotelli struck early in the second period and, despite long periods of pressure, Roy Hodgson's men could not find another equaliser in Manaus.
With rivals Uruguay having earlier suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica, though, Gerrard remains hopeful of progression.
"Whatever the result tonight we would have had to go and beat Uruguay anyway," he told BBC Sport after the game on Saturday. "The challenge is a bit more difficult but certainly doable.
"Italy are a good team but we knew how they were going to play. They never surprised us. It's disappointing because we put so much into it and came away with nothing."
England were enterprising despite the defeat, with the likes of youngster Raheem Sterling impressing in an exciting attack, and the skipper was pleased with their intent.
"We got criticised four years ago for sitting back and being toothless but anyone who watched the game could see we were trying to create," he enthused.
"We pushed and pushed. We gave it everything we've got and were unlucky not to get anything out of it.
"The chances were there and we created them. Maybe we need to look at finishing a few more chances off but we can't point any fingers because everyone has given everything they've got tonight. The effort, desire and commitment was there.
"We weren't sure how Italy would improve from two years ago but they certainly found another gear," he added. "If we look at the game as a whole we can be pleased. It just goes to show how cruel this level can be.
"It was a tough night but, whatever the conditions, it was always going to be tough playing Italy. It was warm, sticky, dry and moving under the foot but they are just excuses at the end of the day and we are still not out of this group."
Belgium are ready for Algeria, says Wilmots
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is confident he has done everything in his power to prevent a World Cup upset at the hands of Algeria.
The 2014 tournament provided a major shock on Saturday as Costa Rica stunned Uruguay with a 3-1 victory in Fortaleza, while few expected Netherlands to defeat reigning champions Spain on Friday - especially not 5-1.Wilmots is aware Belgium will go into their opening game against Algeria on Tuesday as favourites to claim three points.Yet he insists there is no danger of the African nation being underestimated when the action gets under way in Belo Horizonte.
"I'm not especially worried because I care more about my team than the opponent but we do work, it's always the same thing," explained Wilmots at a press conference.
"We do a video analysis of the last 10 games, yes the last 10, to know every starting XI. I won't give you the sheets that I've got here, but I know about each player individually and in which system they played.
"So we are ready, we know everything about Algeria, but what I'm interested in is that our players know all about it."It's why for the past two or three days, they got the pictures, the strengths and the weaknesses of each player. I prefer to do it over a week, so we have time to look and to talk about it.
"If you give them everything the day before the game, it's way too much information, so right after Algeria, they'll have information on Russia for three or four days.
"And it allows our players to come to us, to talk about it with the staff, for players who are interested in that. This helps us to avoid any surprises."
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots is confident he has done everything in his power to prevent a World Cup upset at the hands of Algeria.
The 2014 tournament provided a major shock on Saturday as Costa Rica stunned Uruguay with a 3-1 victory in Fortaleza, while few expected Netherlands to defeat reigning champions Spain on Friday - especially not 5-1.Wilmots is aware Belgium will go into their opening game against Algeria on Tuesday as favourites to claim three points.Yet he insists there is no danger of the African nation being underestimated when the action gets under way in Belo Horizonte.
"I'm not especially worried because I care more about my team than the opponent but we do work, it's always the same thing," explained Wilmots at a press conference.
"We do a video analysis of the last 10 games, yes the last 10, to know every starting XI. I won't give you the sheets that I've got here, but I know about each player individually and in which system they played.
"So we are ready, we know everything about Algeria, but what I'm interested in is that our players know all about it."It's why for the past two or three days, they got the pictures, the strengths and the weaknesses of each player. I prefer to do it over a week, so we have time to look and to talk about it.
"If you give them everything the day before the game, it's way too much information, so right after Algeria, they'll have information on Russia for three or four days.
"And it allows our players to come to us, to talk about it with the staff, for players who are interested in that. This helps us to avoid any surprises."
Joel Campbell: I’ll think about Arsenal after the World Cup
Joel Campbell has insisted that isn't considering his Arsenal future at the moment but will remain concentrated on Costa Rica's World Cup campaign.
The striker, who turns 22 later this month, came to the forefront as his side shocked Uruguay 3-1 in their World Cup opener, but after spending the last three seasons on loan away from the Emirates club his place in their side is debatable.
"Of course I have to go back, because I have a contract with Arsenal, but the most important thing just now is my country and the World Cup," he explained, having scored an equaliser for his side early in the second half before setting up their third.
Despite a fine individual display, he was eager to praise his team-mates’ contributions: "Today was excellent for me, but it would have come to nothing without the contribution of my colleagues. Everyone lived up to their responsibilities. I tried to do my best to score goals and my colleague supported me.
"We have to take one step after another. We have difficult matches ahead, but this will give us impotence."
Costa Rica face Italy next in Group D before facing England as they seek to qualify for the last 16 for just a second time.
Joel Campbell has insisted that isn't considering his Arsenal future at the moment but will remain concentrated on Costa Rica's World Cup campaign.
The striker, who turns 22 later this month, came to the forefront as his side shocked Uruguay 3-1 in their World Cup opener, but after spending the last three seasons on loan away from the Emirates club his place in their side is debatable.
"Of course I have to go back, because I have a contract with Arsenal, but the most important thing just now is my country and the World Cup," he explained, having scored an equaliser for his side early in the second half before setting up their third.
Despite a fine individual display, he was eager to praise his team-mates’ contributions: "Today was excellent for me, but it would have come to nothing without the contribution of my colleagues. Everyone lived up to their responsibilities. I tried to do my best to score goals and my colleague supported me.
"We have to take one step after another. We have difficult matches ahead, but this will give us impotence."
Costa Rica face Italy next in Group D before facing England as they seek to qualify for the last 16 for just a second time.
Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica: Los Ticos prove they're no whipping boys
Uruguay failed to overcome the absence of Luis Suarez as a shock 3-1 loss to Costa Rica left their World Cup dream in tatters.
With Italy and England completing a strong-looking Group D, Costa Rica were expected to be the whipping boys even with Uruguay's star striker Suarez - still recovering from a knee injury - unable to take the field in Fortaleza on Saturday.
The game followed the script initially as Costa Rica's defensive gameplan was ruined by Edinson Cavani putting Uruguay ahead from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.
However, the two-time world champions were then left stunned as their opponents counter-attacked with purpose and scored three second-half goals to spring a major surprise.Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte found the net in a stunning three-minute period, before substitute Marco Urena made the game safe in the closing stages.
With talisman Suarez seemingly too unfit to leave the bench, a stunned Uruguay were unable to avoid a loss that leaves their hopes of progressing bleak. An injury-time red card for Maxi Pereira only served to compound their misery.
There were plenty of early warning signs as Uruguay struggled to break down their opponents' 4-5-1 formation; the first time they did, Diego Godin saw his stabbed finish ruled out for offside.
Their annoyance grew stronger soon after, too, as the usually-reliable Cavani missed a golden opportunity when volleying wide from a deflected Diego Forlan free-kick.Costa Rica's failure to heed that warning proved costly as Junior Diaz hauled down Diego Lugano in the box from an identical Forlan set-piece.Cavani made no mistake this time as he arrowed a penalty beyond the dive of Keylor Navas.
Yet Jorge Luis Pinto's side found a response, showing they had the attacking capabilities to match their defensive nous in a promising spell highlighted by Campbell firing narrowly wide with a fizzing strike from
The underdogs were soon indebted to a stunning save from Navas, though, as he turned Forlan's deflected effort over just before half-time.It was Navas' opposite number Fernando Muslera who had to be alert immediately after the break, keeping out Duarte's header from point-blank range.He could do little moments later, however, as Campbell fired home a half-volley after fine work from Cristian Gamboa.
Things soon went from bad to worse for Uruguay, with Duarte stealing in at the back post, albeit with a suspicion of offside, to head home another fine Gamboa delivery.
Dangerous pot-shots from Campbell and Bryan Ruiz threatened further damage, yet there was soon a warning flash at the other end Cavani forced a good reactionary stop from Navas.Hopes of a Uruguay comeback were ultimately extinguished with six minutes remaining as Campbell's wonderful throughball freed Urena, who belied the tight angle by superbly sliding beyond the onrushing Muslera.
If that goal added further gloss for Costa Rica, the game's last flashpoint summed up Uruguay's evening as Pereira was sent off for a wild hack at the impressive Campbell.
Uruguay failed to overcome the absence of Luis Suarez as a shock 3-1 loss to Costa Rica left their World Cup dream in tatters.
With Italy and England completing a strong-looking Group D, Costa Rica were expected to be the whipping boys even with Uruguay's star striker Suarez - still recovering from a knee injury - unable to take the field in Fortaleza on Saturday.
The game followed the script initially as Costa Rica's defensive gameplan was ruined by Edinson Cavani putting Uruguay ahead from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.
However, the two-time world champions were then left stunned as their opponents counter-attacked with purpose and scored three second-half goals to spring a major surprise.Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte found the net in a stunning three-minute period, before substitute Marco Urena made the game safe in the closing stages.
With talisman Suarez seemingly too unfit to leave the bench, a stunned Uruguay were unable to avoid a loss that leaves their hopes of progressing bleak. An injury-time red card for Maxi Pereira only served to compound their misery.
There were plenty of early warning signs as Uruguay struggled to break down their opponents' 4-5-1 formation; the first time they did, Diego Godin saw his stabbed finish ruled out for offside.
Their annoyance grew stronger soon after, too, as the usually-reliable Cavani missed a golden opportunity when volleying wide from a deflected Diego Forlan free-kick.Costa Rica's failure to heed that warning proved costly as Junior Diaz hauled down Diego Lugano in the box from an identical Forlan set-piece.Cavani made no mistake this time as he arrowed a penalty beyond the dive of Keylor Navas.
Yet Jorge Luis Pinto's side found a response, showing they had the attacking capabilities to match their defensive nous in a promising spell highlighted by Campbell firing narrowly wide with a fizzing strike from
The underdogs were soon indebted to a stunning save from Navas, though, as he turned Forlan's deflected effort over just before half-time.It was Navas' opposite number Fernando Muslera who had to be alert immediately after the break, keeping out Duarte's header from point-blank range.He could do little moments later, however, as Campbell fired home a half-volley after fine work from Cristian Gamboa.
Things soon went from bad to worse for Uruguay, with Duarte stealing in at the back post, albeit with a suspicion of offside, to head home another fine Gamboa delivery.
Dangerous pot-shots from Campbell and Bryan Ruiz threatened further damage, yet there was soon a warning flash at the other end Cavani forced a good reactionary stop from Navas.Hopes of a Uruguay comeback were ultimately extinguished with six minutes remaining as Campbell's wonderful throughball freed Urena, who belied the tight angle by superbly sliding beyond the onrushing Muslera.
If that goal added further gloss for Costa Rica, the game's last flashpoint summed up Uruguay's evening as Pereira was sent off for a wild hack at the impressive Campbell.
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