Confederations Cup of Life / Oscar & David Luiz / Wednesday Open Thread

So the political situation in Brazil is complicated, interesting, controversial, incendiary, crazy, and perhaps scary but just a reminder that this here is a football blog, so we'd like it if the discussion stayed centered on football. This is not because we are on side or the other, or that we don't care; it's simply beyond the scope of our aims.

And while protesters have caused disruptions to traffic and match preparations in Fortaleza and to a lesser extent in Recife, at last check, the matches were set to go ahead just the same.

So, we should have four halves of football to look forward to, the first couple carrying the higher Chelsea interest as Brazil host Mexico (3 P.M. EDT). Brazil made easy work of Japan in the opener, goals coming from Neymar, Paulinho, and Jo - the last of which was set up by a sumptuous Oscar pass. Meanwhile Mexico, with a loss to Italy, continued their run of terrible results. Surely Chepo de la Torre is not long for his managerial seat.

The second match (6 P.M. EDT) will put the bearded magnificence of Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi on display once again, as Italy take on Japan. Should be fun.

Discuss (football).