Amateurish Thoughts On Brazil 2014: England vs Italy

• England took a more direct approach than Italy, but they weren't really able to penetrate. Their speculative shooting from distance summed up England's strategy.
• Italy's first goal was brilliant set piece work, with Pirlo's dummy perfect for opening the space. Marchisio's drive was very well placed.
• England's immediate response was very well executed. Sterling's pass to Rooney, and Rooney's cross to Sturridge was very well executed.
• Incredible skill by Balotelli with the chip that was cleared off the line.
• Italy's attacking by crossing looked quite ineffective up until the moment a cross found the head of Balotelli.
• Apart from Sterling, Italy had England's measure in attack. Nothing England did really troubled the Italian defence after Italy took the advantage.
• Will Wayne Rooney ever score an international goal? Also, his corner kick was hilarious.
• It's a shame Pirlo's free kick deep in injury time cannoned off the crossbar.
• A fair result. England simply didn't have the attacking options to trouble the resilient Italian defence.