“Manaus (Brazil) (AFP) – Mario Balotelli’s second-half header earned Italy a 2-1 victory over an enterprising England side in an engaging World Cup Group D opener in Manaus on Saturday.”
My first World Cup match report for AFP on a captivating encounter at the Amazonia Arena can be read here.
Reaction: Hodgson shields Rooney after opening defeat
Reaction: Prandelli blasts ‘absurd’ lack of time-outs
