Manaus: Mario Balotelli scored the winner as Italy beat England 2-1 in their World Cup duel in the Amazon on Saturday as Costa Rica provided a major shock with an upset win over Uruguay. AC Milan striker Balotelli nodded past former Manchester City team mate Joe Hart on 50 minutes to decide the tense Group D encounter at Manaus's sweltering Amazonia Arena.
Italy's Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio had fired the Azzurri into a deserved lead on 35 minutes, rifling home a low shot from outside the area after a well worked corner routine wrong footed the English defence. England struck back with a fine goal on the counter attack. Raheem Sterling released Wayne Rooney down the left and the Manchester United star's cross was buried by Daniel Sturridge.
The Italian victory leaves Cesare Prandelli's side in pole qualifying position from Group D. The only blot on a satisfying day for Italy was the absence of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was ruled out of the England match hours before kick-off with a twisted ankle. England now face Uruguay in Sao Paulo next Thursday with the loser of that contest facing almost certain elimination. "It's disappointing, we put so much effort into it," said England captain Steven Gerrard after. "Italy were a very good team tonight and we fell a bit short. But we're still very much alive in this group," he added.
