Ciro Immobile scored a hat-trick to help second-string Italy beat Brazilian club side Fluminense 5-3 in an entertaining World Cup warm-up match played in a festive atmosphere on Sunday.
Lorenzo Insigne scored twice in a lively Italy performance on a difficult, lumpy pitch, though there were question marks over the defense and third-choice goalkeeper Mattia Perin.
A capacity crowd of about 17,000 packed into the Estadio Raulino de Oliveira in the steel town of Volta Redonda, providing fervent support for Fluminense and jeering Italy’s Brazilian-born midfielder Thiago Motta whenever he touched the ball.
Photo: Reuters
“We saw some interesting things and the two boys in attack did very well,” Italy coach Cesare Prandelli told RAI television, referring to forwards Immobile and Insigne.
The pair scored a goal apiece in the first half, but Fluminense, second in the Brazilian championship, pegged Italy back each time through Chiquinho and Carlinhos, whose toe-poked effort slipped through Perrin’s hands.
Immobile then netted twice in as many minutes soon after the break, the second a delightful flicked finish after he was sent clear by Thiago Motta, before Insigne made it 5-2 when he turned in Immobile’s pass from close range.
Matheus Carvalho reduced the arrears with a long-range goal as Prandelli gave several first-choice players, including playmaker Andrea Pirlo and striker Mario Balotelli, a run-out in the final half hour of the match.
Italy were held to a goalless stalemate by the Republic of Ireland and suffered an embarrassing 1-1 draw at home to Luxemburg in their previous two friendlies.
They face England in their FIFA World Cup opener in Manaus on Saturday, before taking on Costa Rica and Uruguay in their other Group D matches.
IRAN 2, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 0
Reuters, SAO PAULO, Brazil
Iran warmed up for their fourth World Cup campaign with a win over Trinidad and Tobago having also missed a penalty in a friendly played behind closed doors on Sunday.
Ehsan Haji Safi scored just before halftime and Reza Ghoochannejhad added the second nine minutes into the second period to boost Iran’s confidence ahead of the finals.
The match took place at the training ground where Iran have been preparing for their Group F games starting with Nigeria on Monday next week, followed by Argentina and Bosnia.
Haji Safi put Iran ahead in stoppage-time at the end of the first half after Trinidad failed to deal with Ashkan Dejagah’s corner from the right.
Six minutes into the second period Iran were awarded a spot-kick after Dejagah was brought down by rightback Justin Hoyte, but Javad Nekounam’s effort was saved by Jan-Michael Williams.
However, three minutes later Ghoochannejhad scored from close range on a counterattack to wrap up a comfortable win before both sides made multiple substitutions.
Iran went into the match after 0-0 draws with Belarus and Montenegro, and a 1-1 result against Angola in warm-up matches in Austria.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely