Italy v Japan, 19 June 2013

Kick-off: 7.00pm local (11.00pm BST) Match Report Japan dominated the early period of the match. With the Brazilian crowd behind them all the early chances fell their way. Kagawa was the first to test Buffon with a long rang effort. The breakthrough was soon the come. A short back pass from De Sciglio put Buffon in trouble. The Italian goalkeeper rushed out and conceded a penalty. It was calmly dispatched by Honda. Shortly after the lead was doubled. A bouncing ball in the Italian area fell to Kagawa who swivelled and slotted a volley into the corner. Prandelli took drastic measures after half an hour replacing Aquilani with Giovinco. Despite Japanese dominance, Italy pulled one back before the break. Pirlo's corner was met by De Rossi at the near post. Giaccherini could have levelled before the break but struck a post. Italy started the second period well. They soon equalised with an own goal following a Yoshida error. The Italians then took the lead with a penalty. Hasebe had been harshly penalised for handball. Japan did not give up. They equalised through a free kick as Okazaki got ahead of his marker at the near post. The Japanese pushed for a winner and should have got one when Kagawa and Okazaki each struck the woodwork. Against the run of play Italy hit the winner. Japan were punished again for sloppiness at the back. Marchisio pounced and squared to Giovinco who finished. Without doubt the best game of the tournament and probably one of the best international fixtures you are likely to see for some time. Japan were terribly unlucky but in the end punished by the ruthless Italians. Preview Italy will be strong favourites to beat Japan after a solid opening match against Mexico. Mario Balotelli will again aim to impose himself physically on the Japanese backline. After an impressive performance in the first game, Emanuele Giaccherini is likely to keep his place ahead of young AC Milan star Stephan El Shaarawy. Japan's Italian coach Alberto Zaccheroni will need to find a formula to stop influential playmaker Andrea Pirlo. He will also look to the likes of Shinji Kagawa to step up for Japan to keep their hopes alive in this tournament.