Italy, Brazil tie a thriller

It also handed the tournament to England, who have beaten both Italy and France, with one match each to go in the World Cup dress rehearsal.Brazil coach Mario Zagallo said: “This evening’s match was a spectacle apart, especially in the second half.”

Italy took a 2-0 lead early on when Alessandro del Piero scored in the 6th minute and Aldair headed in an own-goal in the 24th.

But the Brazilians, who had defeated the Italians in a penalty shootout in the World Cup final in 1994, bounced back in the 35th minute when Attilio Lombardo deflected a shot by Roberto Carlos into the Italian net.

Italy went ahead 3-1 when del Piero blasted a penalty shot past Tafarel in the 61st minute.

The Brazilians then showed why they are the top-ranked team in the world.First Ronaldo evaded three defenders and shot into a corner of the goal in the 71st minute, and then Romario picked up a pass from Ronaldo, danced through the Italian defence and pushed the ball into the net from close range in the 85th, earning his country a well-deserved draw.

England have six points from two matches at this `Mini World Cup’ a 1-0 win against France and a 2-0 victory over Italy. Brazil have two points 1-1 against France and 3-3 against Italy yesterday.

France and Italy each have one point.