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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- If last years European Championship was the moment Mario Balotelli revealed himself to a global audience, this years Confederations Cup is shaping up as confirmation that he is a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. And if Italy appeared hesitant at times to heap too much pressure on Balotelli in Poland and Ukraine, thats no longer an issue. When Balotelli scored the winning goal in Sundays 2-1 win over Mexico, it didnt come as a surprise. He was a force to be reckoned with throughout the game at the Maracana Stadium. According to Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon, the difference for Balotelli is that he has gained more confidence by playing regularly for AC Milan since his January transfer from Manchester City. After 2 1/2 years of often being relegated to the substitutes bench in England, Balotelli returned to Italy at the start of this year and scored 12 goals in just 13 appearances for Milan. "Talent-wise, hes the same as a year ago, because Balotelli will always be extraordinary in the way he plays football, but now hes also found continuity with his club, which is something he didnt have before," Buffon said Monday. "That gives him serenity and extra self-confidence. "Its a huge advantage to have a player like him," added Buffon, the senior member of the Azzurri at 35 and one of the few remnants from the squad that won the 2006 World Cup. Italy was still well stocked with members of the 2006 squad at the 2009 Confederations Cup and it also opened that tournament with a win, beating the United States 3-1. But then the Azzurri lost to Egypt 1-0 and were humiliated 3-0 by Brazil, resulting in an embarrassing first-round elimination for the World Cup holders at the time. The following year, Italy was again eliminated after the first round of the World Cup in South Africa. "Theres a substantial difference between now and 2009," Buffon said. "Over these last three years weve really matured in all aspects. This is a national team on the way up, and were hoping to keep moving forward." Balotelli tied as top scorer for the tournament with three goals when Italy reached the final of Euro 2012, including two spectacular goals in the 2-1 semifinal win over Germany, and he sees no reason why the Azzurri cant go just as far here. "Were here to do the best possible, to reach the final," Balotelli said. "And I think this squad has the quality to get there." Quality was certainly evident in the decisive goal for the first official match at the renovated Maracana stadium. It was a goal that combined beauty and brute strength. It started with a long vertical pass from Daniele De Rossi. With his back to the goal, Emanuele Giaccherini then volleyed the ball on to Balotelli with an acrobatic manoeuvr and Balotelli did the rest, out-muscling defenders on both sides of him and slotting the ball past the goalkeeper as he slid along the pitch. The only negative aspect of the goal came when Balotelli pulled off his shirt, earning a yellow card. If Balotelli picks up another yellow in Italys next match against Japan on Wednesday in Recife, hell miss the Group A finale against host Brazil. The yellow card, however, was likely the last thing on De Rossis mind when he jumped on top of Balotellis naked shoulders to join in the celebration. The image of Balotelli carrying a teammate on his back was more than appropriate. Balotelli, a son of Ghanian immigrants, a player who has to deal with racist chants almost every match, is Italys new leader.Rick Sutcliffe Cubs Jersey . LOUIS -- St. Jason Heyward Jersey . Bradwell was scheduled to become a free agent Tuesday. 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Hazard cut in from the left and scored with a swerving right-footed shot for ninth goal of the season, which proved to be enough for the victory despite Chelseas forwards again lacking a cutting edge up front.Liz Cambage produced a final quarter for the ages, single-handedly dragging Australia from 16 points down to defeat Japan and secure the Opals top spot in their group at the Rio Olympics.But despite the superstar centres 37-point outburst -- which included 18 points in the final quarter -- Cambage was far from happy with her performance in the 92-86 victory on Thursday night.The Opals appeared headed for their first defeat of the Games when down by 16 in the final term, before Cambage stepped it up to avoid an embarrassing defeat to the world No.16.It was the third-highest haul by a woman in Olympic history and the highest in 28 years.It was also the most points scored by a male or female in a single game in Rio.I dont really care how many points I got, just as long as we won, said Cambage, who also had 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.Im not happy with that game. I had bad defence the first half. Theres things I need to go back and look at on tape and learn from.Point guard Leilani Mitchell was just as influeential, adding 18 points, seven assists and six boards.ddddddddddddhe victory was their fourth straight at the Games.It means they will finish top of Group A, even if they lose their last match against Belarus on Saturday.Just as the Boomers nearly caused a boilover against the United States on Thursday, Japan took it to the world No.2 Opals and led at every change.Unfazed by the massive size difference, they matched the Opals both in points and rebounds for the first three quarters.WNBA power forward Ramu Tokashiki proved the biggest headache, scoring a team-high 23 points.Theyre so quick, they all can shoot - I hate playing Japan, said Cambage.I respect the girls. What they lack in height, they make up with speed and they outran us in the first half.I dont like comebacks, theyre stressful.But we stayed composed today, we stayed together as a team.And we still won. Thank god, we still won. ' ' '