Confederations Cup: Brazil, Italy Advance To Semifinals

Following a day of World Cup qualifying the FIFA Confederations Cup resumed on Wednesday with two Group A contests played in Brazil.

At Fortaleza:



Neymar (9', that's him celebrating with teammates) and Jo (90'+3) each provided a goal as Brazil blanked Mexico 2-0 and clinched a berth in the semifinal round, eliminating El Tri.


At Recife:

Sebastian Giovinco scored the winning goal in the 86th minute as Italy took out Japan in a 4-3 slugfest that carried the Azzurri into the semifinal round and eliminated the Blue Samurai.  Here's Mario Balotelli, celebrating with teammates after converting a penalty kick in the 52nd minute.

Reuters photos 

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. x-Brazil (GP: 2; GD: +5; PTS: 6)
2. x-Italy (GP: 2; GD: +2; PTS: 6)
3. z-Mexico (GP: 2; GD: -3; PTS: 0)
4. z-Japan (GP: 2; GD: -4; PTS: 0)

x-Advanced to the semifinal round

z-Eliminated from tournament