Mexico vs Italy and Spain vs Uruguay, Confederations Cup, Group Stage: Open Thread

After Brazil’s impressive 3-0 victory against Japan yesterday, we have a double treat on hand today as Mexico plays Italy (2:30pm ET, ESPN/WatchESPN) and Spain faces Uruguay (5:45pm ET, ESPN/WatchESPN).

In the first match today, Mexico battles Italy at the Maracana, the rebuilt stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Andrea Pirlo will earn his 100th cap for Italy today, while Italy coach Cesare Prandelli says there’s “a good possibility” that striker Mario Balotelli will play despite recently suffering an injury. In the Mexico camp, the team is reeling from a poor run of form in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, so El Tri will want to put on a good performance to help keep Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre in his job.

Later today, current World and European champion Spain takes on Uruguay in Belo Horizonte. After beating Haiti and Ireland in warmup matches for the tournament, Spain will be in confident mood against a more unpredictable Uruguay side. This one could end up being an entertaining match especially if Uruguay are able to take the lead to force Spain to open up.

Before, during or after today’s matches, join the conversation in the comments section below with football supporters around the globe.