Andrea Pirlo: still the best (Video)

Initially, I was going abstain from watching the Confederations Cup.

I have already discussed the reasons why in my previous post but let me tell you moment when I thought that I would go back on my first decision; when I saw Andrea Pirlo curl in this beauty of a free kick against Mexico in Italy's opening group game.

What can I say? I am a sucker for a Pirlo free kick. In fact, Pirlo's overall performance against Mexico was a joy to behold. Pirlo clearly laughs in the face of age as he, once again, demonstrated why he is still one of the best midfielders in Europe.

If the performance plus Panenka against England during last year's European Championships wasn't enough to prove to you that he is one of the all time greats than this free kick should do the trick.

There are questions to be asked of Mexico's keeper, however, as to why he decides at the last minute to pull his hands away but do not let that detract from the quality of the free kick.

As it goes this year's Confederations Cup was one for the free kick with impressive efforts coming from Edison Cavani, Neymar and Alessandro Diamanti (formerly of West Ham). But Pirlo's was the pick of the bunch and the Azzuri were arguably the most entertaining team at the tournament this year.

So, for your viewing enjoyment here is Pirlo's master class against Mexico (well, the best bits anyway) accompanied with tremendous beard and silly goalkeeping from Mexico's keeper. Enjoy.

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