FORTALEZA, Brazil — Neymar struck with a stunning early volley for the second Confederations Cup game in a row and brilliantly set up the second goal to give Brazil a 2-0 win over Mexico Wednesday. Neymar met the ball at a difficult height after Mexico defender Francisco Rodriguez failed to properly clear a header and showed great technique to volley the ball left-footed past Jose Corona in the ninth minute. He brought the crowd to its feet against in stoppage time when he slipped between two Mexican defenders and crossed for substitute Jo to score easily. Earlier, the Barcelona-bound 21-year-old said on Facebook that he had been “inspired” by the protests which have rocked Brazilian cities in the last few days. Brazil, which has won both Group A games without conceding a goal, dominated the first 20 minutes but Mexico, which has lost its two matches, came close to an equalizer several times. The game went ahead against the backdrop of demonstrations outside the stadium with protesters demanding “health, education, not corruption.” Inside the stadium, fans enthusiastically sang the national anthem and some held up signs saying: “This protest is not against the national team but against corruption.” Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre rued poor finishing and the genius of Neymar after his side's defeat. “We conceded a goal at the start, with a great effort from Neymar, which changed the circumstances,” said De la Torre. “We're on track. The principal objective is qualification (for the World Cup). In this competition (the Confederations Cup), we didn't manage it. That's how it is.” In Recife, Italy rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat Japan and countryman Alberto Zaccheroni 4-3 Wednesday, earning a spot in the semifinals. First-half substitute Sebastian Giovinco scored the winner in the 86th minute of an entertaining match at the Arena Pernambuco, pounding home a cross from Claudio Marchisio. After a dismal start for the Azzurri that saw Japan score twice in the opening 33 minutes, Daniele De Rossi pulled one back with a header in the 41st, Japan defender Atsuto Uchida scored an own-goal in the 50th and Mario Balotelli converted a penalty in the 52nd. Japan had taken the lead with a penalty from Keisuke Honda in the 21st. Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa doubled the lead for Japan in the 33rd after a defensive error. Shinji Okazaki later made it 3-3 in the 69th with a header. The Azzurri moved level with Brazil on six points each at the top of Group A. Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 earlier Sunday and has now also advanced courtesy of Italy's win. In the final round of group matches, Italy will face host Brazil in Salvador Saturday and Japan meets Mexico in Belo Horizonte. Spain team's hotel robbed Six players from the Spain squad had money stolen from their hotel rooms in Recife while they played their Confederations Cup opener against Uruguay, Spanish media reported Thursday. The players affected, including Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, made the discovery after the world and European champions's 2-1 victory over Uruguay Sunday. “We know there was a report, a police report and this was being dealt with by the relevant authorities, we have been in touch also with the team,” FIFA spokesman Pekka Odriozola told a briefing. “We are waiting to hear from the authorities. (We) don't have all details. We know there was an incident and the police are investigating.” — Agencies
