Iniesta outstanding as Cesc saves point for Spain (1-1) | FC Barcelona
But just when it looked like Spain finally had the game under their control, Di Natale, seconds after coming on as substitute, converted a piercing through ball from Pirlo to put the Italians in the lead after exactly an hour’s play. Spain were quick to respond to the setback. Three minutes after the restart, in a move started by the omnipresent Iniesta, Silva supplied a wonderful assist to Cesc Fàbregas, and the Barça man made no mistake.
Iniesta brands pitch a 'disaster' following Italy draw - Goal.com
He told reporters: "Seeing the pitch in those conditions is a disaster. It was incredibly dry and that makes circulation of the ball difficult." Iniesta's Barcelona team-mate Fabregas was also quick to comment on the conditions after his side's Group C opener. "I can't complain, but we deserved much more." he said. "It's shameful that we still have to play on pitches like that."
Keita's Mali come away with three valuable points (2-1) | FC Barcelona
Seydou Keita’s Mali managed to take three very important points in the match against Algeria in the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifier. With the final 2-1 result, Mali move into third place in Group H, with three points, the same amount as the Algerians and one behind Benin.
Del Bosque defends decision to start 'false No.9' Fabregas against Italy - Goal.com
Vicente del Bosque insists his inclusion of Cesc Fabregas in attack was warranted, following Spain's 1-1 draw at Euro 2012 with Italy in Gdansk. "Cesc did very well in that position. When Torres came on, the game was much more open. We had more chances to score, but they, too, lest we forget. Time will tell if this [the system] is good for us or not.
Alexis' Chile claim victory over Venezuela (0-2) | FC Barcelona
Even though Sánchez didn’t score either of the two goals for his team, he was an active participant in Chile’s victory. Sánchez bore the brunt of much of Venezuela’s tough play, as the northern South American country’s team resorted to a rough-and-tumble style in an attempt to slow down Chile.