Confederations Cup results: Neymar shines again as Brazil net four past Italy, Mexico beat Japan (video highlights)

Neymar scored another outstanding goal and Fred netted double, as Brazil outplayed Italy 4-2 to maintain their flawless record in Confederations Cup.

Brazil have broken the deadlock just before the final whistle, when substitute Dante tap in the rebound after Buffon denied Fred with a beautiful stop. Italy, who were without their playmaker Andrea Pirlo through injury, leveled the game six minutes into the second half, when Giaccherini latched onto Balotelli’s superb back heel flick to drill a low shot into the far corner. Neymar then gave Brazil the lead for the second time with a marvelous free-kick from just outside of the penalty area. Fred then extended Selecao’s lead with a shot into the roof of the net from Marcelo’s brilliant pass. Chiellini has clawed one back for the Squadra Azzurra in the 71st minute, but Fred put the game beyond doubt in the 89th minute.

The result means Brazil escape facing mighty Spain in the Confederations Cup semi-final, where they will meet Uruguay.

Elsewhere, Mexico have finished their Confederations Cup campaign by beating Japan 2-1 courtesy of Hernandez’s brace in an entertaining encounter.