MANAUS, Brazil -- Pure class and pure power. [url=http://www.bengalsrookiestore.com/Bengals-Jessie-Bates-Iii-Jersey/] Jessie Bate

MANAUS, Brazil -- Pure class and pure power. Jessie Bates III Youth 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. Renell Wren Jersey . On Saturday, the paths of Drew Tate and Kevin Glenn cross again as opposing quarterbacks. Michael Jordan Jersey . That was OK with him. He was just happy his team came away with two points. Letestu redirected Jack Johnsons shot from the point with 2:38 left, lifting the Blue Jackets past the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Monday night. http://www.bengalsrookiestore.com/Bengals-Anthony-Munoz-Jersey/ . Players suspended during the season for a performance-enhancing drug violation will not be eligible for that years post-season. In addition, discipline will increase from 50 games to 80 for a first testing violation and from 100 games to a season-long 162 for a second. A third violation remains a lifetime ban.SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Yu Darvish will be the opening day starter for the Rangers. Manager Ron Washington says he informed Darvish on Tuesday morning that the right-hander from Japan will start March 31 against Philadelphia at home. Darvish is going into his third major league season. He started the second game last season, when he came within one out of a perfect game aggainst Houston. Ryan Finley Youth Jersey. He went on to lead the majors with 277 strikeouts and finish second in the AL Cy Young Award voting. The last Rangers starter with consecutive opening day starts was Kevin Millwood from 2006 to 2009. Darvish will be the sixth different opening day starter in six years for Texas. Matt Harrison started last years opener. ' ' '