MANAUS, Brazil -- Pure class and pure power. Cole Toner Jersey . Skill and strength. Creative vision and clinical finishing. Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli are a study in contrasts on the football pitch. And off it. Together, they provide Italy with two distinct weapons and on Saturday both players stood out in a 2-1 win over England at the World Cup. Pirlo set up Italys opening goal without even touching the ball and Balotelli headed in the winner early in the second half. "We take our hats off to their skill," England coach Roy Hodgson said. It was an evening reminiscent of the 2012 European Championship, when Pirlo and Balotelli combined to lead Italy to the final of the European Championship. This time, after a few errant passes from Pirlo, the midfield maestro broke open the match by stepping over a cross and fooling the England defenders to let Claudio Marchisio fire in from long-range in the 34th minute. "Pirlo is a player who can add quality in every area of the pitch," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said. "Whether its a tight triangle, going far forward or whatever, he can handle himself in any area." At 35, Pirlo is a veteran of the Italy squad that won the 2006 title. Modest and quiet, his personality couldnt be farther from the brashness that the 23-year-old Balotelli displays. After England equalized two minutes later, Balotelli showed his nose for goal by attempting a sharply angled lob shot after drawing goalkeeper Joe Hart out of position in first-half added time. England defender Phil Jagielka headed away the danger but that only seemed to increase Balotellis appetite. Five minutes into the second half, the AC Milan forward finally found the target, leaping over Gary Cahill to head in by the far post following superb work down the right flank and a perfect cross from Antonio Candreva. "Im really happy. Its a special feeling," said Balotelli, who proposed to his Belgian girlfriend a few days ago. "Ive never played in a World Cup and its fantastic. I dedicate this victory to my future wife, who is here, to my family, and to my friends." Balotelli hadnt scored for Italy since October but the enigmatic striker now has 13 goals in 30 appearances for the Azzurri and has silenced any doubts about his lineup status. Ciro Immobile had been pushing Balotelli for the centre forward spot after leading Serie A with 22 goals and a hat trick in a warmup match last week against top-flight Brazilian club Fluminense. "I think he can score many more," Prandelli said. "Ive said it before. (Balotelli) has enormous potential. He needs to convince himself that his movements up front are decisive enough to finish actions. He gave everything he had but Im convinced he has margins for improvement." When Immobile replaced Balotelli in the 73rd, the crowd at the Arena Amazonia showered him with a loud applause. And when the final whistle blew, Balotelli put his finger to his lips as if to silence the criticism he routinely faces. Then he winked to a TV camera. Born in Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants and raised by Italian foster parents, Balotelli is also subjected to racism constantly back home. Before kickoff Saturday, Balotelli tweeted, "ITALIANS. Whatever squad you support, today there is only the Azzurra squad! Hate, jealousy, contempt, lets put it all aside and ALL be united!" United with Pirlo, Balotelli and Italy are tough to beat. Chris Landrum Jersey . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. Austin Ekeler Jersey . It was a move of some time in the making. “He hasnt thrown well, clearly some guys are being used more than him right now and the only way to get out of this funk is to pitch,” said general manager Alex Anthopoulos. http://www.cheapchargersjerseyssale.com/?tag=uchenna-nwosu-jersey-sale . Appearing on TSN 1050 on Tuesday, Sean McAdam of Comcast SportsNet New England reported that the Blue Jays, along with a number of other playoff contenders were in the mix for the Boston ace.Every night of the Stanley Cup playoffs, TSN hockey analyst and former NHL goaltender Jamie McLennan breaks down each goalies performance. Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins (3) - Surrendered a tough first goal against on a deflection through the body short side. Second goal came from blown coverage, but great saves on Brassard, Stepan, and Zuccarello helped stabilize him in net. Good saves on Moore and Nash in OT before the breakdowns on the winning goal Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers (4) - First goal came through a screen, but he was deeper than usual and it beats him short side. Made some big saves on Malkin, Neal, Stempniak and Kunitz to keep thhe score tied. Damion Square Jersey. Did a good job on the road on Friday night. Corey Crawford, Blackhawks (4) - Great game, 30 saves, positioning and rebound control were outstanding, Big saves on Granlund, Stoner, Koivu, and kept the Blackhawks in it in the second period. Big save on Haula and Heatley in the third, no chance on back door play on Brodziak. Stepped up when needed and was the difference for the Hawks. Ilya Bryzgalov, Wild (2) - Not much chance on the first two goals, deflection and back door play, good battle in crease and through traffic. He was not tested too much in second. Was beaten twice by Kane in the third - the short-side shelf goal was a great shot by Kane, but not good by Bryzgalov. 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