Italy rallied from two goals down to beat Japan 4-3 and join tournament host Brazil in advancing to the semifinals of soccer’s Confederations Cup.
Sebastian Giovinco’s 86th-minute goal broke a 3-3 tie in Recife minutes after Japan twice struck the frame of the goal. The Asian champion had led 2-0 on first-half goals from Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa before Daniele De Rossi’s header and an own goal by Atsuto Uchida either side of the break made it 2-2. Mario Balotelli’s 52nd-minute penalty kick then put Italy ahead before Shinji Okazaki tied it with 20 minutes left.
Italy joined Brazil, which earlier beat Mexico 2-0, with six points from two matches in Group A at the eight-nation tournament, a warm-up event for next year’s World Cup. The top two in each four-team pool advance to the semifinals.
Neymarearlier scored the first goal and set up the second in Brazil’s victory in Fortaleza.
In the second round of games in Group B tomorrow, world and European champion Spain plays tournament newcomer Tahiti in Rio de Janeiro and Nigeria takes on Uruguay in Salvador. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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I predict Uruguay 3-0 Nigeria
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