MANAUS, Brazil (AP) – Mario Balotelli scored with a second-half header today to give Italy a 2-1 win over England at the World Cup.
The Italy striker was left unmarked by Gary Cahill and nodded a cross from Antonio Candreva past goalkeeper Joe Hart in the 50th minute.
Claudio Marchisio opened the scoring for Italy, sending a long shot through a crowded area and past a diving Hart in the 35th. Daniel Sturridge equalised for England two minutes later, tapping in a cross from Wayne Rooney.
The win puts Italy in a strong position to qualify for the second round, and leaves England with plenty to do in their remaining two matches.
In the other Group D match, Costa Rica beat Uruguay 3-1, leaving the 2010 semi-finalists with a similarly difficult task to advance.
Group D Standings
Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Points
Costa Rica 1 0 0 3 1 3
Italy 1 0 0 2 1 3
England 0 0 1 1 2 0
Uruguay 0 0 1 1 3 0
Schedule and Results
Saturday, June 14
Uruguay 1, Costa Rica 3
England 1, Italy 2
Thursday, June 19
3 p.m.: Uruguay vs England at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Friday, June 20
Noon: Italy vs Costa Rica at Arena Pernambuco, Recife
Tuesday, June 24
Noon: Italy vs Uruguay at Estadio das Dunas, Natal
Noon: Costa Rica vs England at Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte