Italy follows Brazil to Confederations Cup semis

Italy came from 2-0 down to win 4-3 over Japan in the most thrilling match of the tournament so far to reach the semis along with hosts Brazil.

The final match of the group between Brazil and Italy will decide who will top the group.

Japan were the better side almost all the game, and after scoring the equalizer (3 - 3), they wasted many chances to let Italy score the winning goal in the final moments.

Result:
Italy 4 (De Rossi 41, Uchida 50 og, Balotelli 52 pen, Giovinco 86) Japan 3 (Honda 21 pen, Kagawa 33, Okazaki 69)

More to follow...

Neymar shines as Brazil beat Japan in Confederations Cup opener

Defending champions Brazil opened the Confederations Cup in style with a 3-0 win over Japan. A brilliant third minute half volley from new Barcelona forward Neymar set Brazil on their way before Paulinho added a second in the 48th minute, then substitute Jo completed the scoring in stoppage time.

Result:
Group A
Brazil 3-0 Japan (Neymar 3’, Paulinho 48’, Jo 90+3’).

Squads:
Brazil: Julio César; Daniel Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo; Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho, Oscar; Hulk, Neymar and Fred.
Subs: min 73 Neymar out Lucas Moura in, min 74 Hulk out Hernanes in, min 80 Fred out Jô in.
Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari (BRA).

Japan: Kawashima; Uchida, Yoshida, Konno, Nagamoto; Endo, Hasebe, Honda, Kiyotake, Kagawa and Okazaki.
Subs: min 50 Kiyotake out Maeda in, min 77 Endo out Hosogai in, min 87 Honda out Inui in.
Coach: Alberto Zaccheroni (ITA).

Referee: Pedro Proença (POR).