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Nov

2008

Everton falters in Italy

Saturday, 08 March 2008

Having come back from a convincing win over Portsmouth in the league, Everton could not translate the form into their UEFA Cup clash against Fiorentina. Playing away, their 2-0 defeat came calling and the Blues will now have a mountain to climb when the game travels back to Liverpool.

Two world class strikes from Zdravko Kuzmanovic and then Riccardo Montolivo pretty much gave the Italians the scoreline they need to bring on the English in the second leg.

Everton boss David Moyes had only his team to blame for the defeat and bear the consequences after a lackluster performance which he believe is due to lack of pace to keep up with the home team. He said that “The performance was not good tonight, I think we didn't start the game and we gave the initiative to Fiorentina. We now have a big job to do. They are a good team and on tonight's performance we need to do much better. They played well throughout and in all departments. Early on they had a couple of shots against us as a warning. We should have defended their crosses and not given the midfield players the chance to get shots away. Some players, in fact the majority, didn't play to their potential. We've another game and hopefully we can do better.”

Everton has to thank their American goalie Tim Howard for pulling out a string of saves apart from the 20 yard Kuzmanovic 69^th minute strike and Montoivo’s volley. It would have been easily a 4 or 5 goal cushion if not for the acrobatics from the keeper. Somehow, the Blues were just no match for the attacking home side which was relentless and superior in most areas. Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli admitted that Everton was not the best opponents they want to meet but praised his team for a job well done. “It was a great performance. I am convinced that next week we will suffer much more. We conceded little and for that I give my compliments to the lads. It was difficult as they are a top side. Now we are more convinced of our worth and the recent good results have given us a morale and confidence boost. Tonight we played with real desire and with the knowledge that we are a good side. Everton are very organised and did well defensively. When the ball was in the middle of the park it was difficult to break them down so the idea was to shoot from outside the area. Many of our players are young and are unused to winning. They need to get used to the winning sensation.” With that sort of determination and confidence, no one would really write them off yet.

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