Source: Daily_Mail
Everton 0 Benfica 2: Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardoza silence Goodison Park
Everton are encountering almost as many problems in Europe as neighbours Liverpool after being outplayed by Benfica for a second successive time at Goodison Park last night.[LNB]Second-half goals by Javier Saviola and Oscar Cardozo made it seven games without a win for David Moyes's injury-hit side.[LNB]Just as worryingly for Moyes and his players, they now head for Greece next month knowing defeat by AEK Athens could end their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League knockout stages.[LNB] Heartbreaker: Saviola puts Benfica a goal to the good[LNB] It might not be on quite the same scale as Liverpool's likelyfailure to progress beyond their Champions League group, but it wouldbe felt just as keenly after Everton looked to have put themselves inpole position following convincing wins over AEK and BATE Borisov.[LNB]Moyes said: 'I thought this game was tighter than the last one butone or two poor defensive moments cost us. We were pushing forward andthey did us on the counter-attack for their first goal. They brokequickly but we still had defenders back and should have done better. [LNB]'You couldn't say they were the sort of goals Benfica scored againstus in Lisbon, they weren't outstanding individual efforts it was moredown to us being poor at the back. [LNB]'We have a couple of tough games to come but I hope we can get back on track and make it.'[LNB] Sealing the deal: Oscar Cardozo beats Tim Howard to notch Benfica's second[LNB]Everton looked intent on avenging their 5-0 drubbing in the Stadiumof Light as they threatened twice in the first 15 minutes, throughMarouane Fellaini and Yakubu.[LNB]Fellaini has looked a subdued figure for much of the season butreacted swiftly as he pounced on a mis-hit clearance and brushed asidea challenge before testing Julio Cesar with a low drive.[LNB]Yakubu is still working his way back to full match sharpness but maynot be far away, judging from the way he received a pass from LeightonBaines with his back to goal and spun past Luisao before lifting anangled drive over.[LNB]Benfica's Angel Di Maria provided glimpses of the cutting edge thattore Everton apart a fortnight ago as he brought the best out of TimHoward just before half time and tested him again on the hour.[LNB] Troubled times: Everton were outclassed by Benfica[LNB]The Argentina winger, tipped as a future world super star by DiegoMaradona, blazed over with just Howard to beat in between, but thereprieve did not last long for Everton as Benfica's growing pressurefinally told in the 63rd minute. [LNB]Di Mario worked an opening on the edge of the area, and Saviolashowed the instinct that once earned him rave reviews as he drilled ashot into the bottom corner.[LNB]There was no way back for an increasingly dispirited Everton as Benfica doubled their lead in the 76th minute. [LNB]A deflected shot fell for Cardozo, and after his scoring exploits inLisbon, no one should have been surprised by the outcome as he fired aclinical volley past Howard.[LNB] Under the cosh: Sylvain Distin blocks David Luiz's shot[LNB] EVERTON: Howard, Hibbert, Yobo, Distin, Baines, Gosling (Jo 68), Fellaini, Rodwell, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill, Yakubu (Agard 80). Booked: Hibbert, Rodwell, Yakubu.[LNB] BENFICA: Julio Cesar, Ruben Amorim, Sidnei, Luisao, David Luiz, Di Maria, Ramires (Maxi Pereira 45), Javi Garcia, Fabio Coentrao (Aimar 60), Cardozo, Saviola. Booked: Julio Cesar, Saviola.[LNB] Man of the match: Di Maria.[LNB] Referee: Said Ennjimi (France).[LNB] Thrill Bill! Diniyar has silenced Everton doubters, insists Guus HiddinkEverton v Benfica - all the action as it happenedManchester City join the chase for Everton's teen ace Jack RodwellEVERTON FC
