AZ 2-3 Everton

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

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By Sam Lyon

2145: PLAYER-RATER
Andy Johnson, Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka are top-scoring for Everton at the moment on player-rater, while 16-year-old Jack Rodwell is also faring pretty well after a nice little cameo. Unsurprisingly, Aberdeen striker Jamie Smith is head and shoulders above the rest in those match ratings, but keep your votes coming and have your say.

"Amazing result, hope we get Everton in the next round, I fancy a trip to Liverpool, got a lot of friends down there and its an awesome city for a party."
morrison1976 on 606

2135 - FULL-TIME: AZ 2-3 Everton
And a great night for British football is confirmed at the DSB Stadium as Everton's much-changed line-up becomes the first team to come away from AZ Alkmaar with a victory in European competition. Alkmaar crash out of the competition as a result, with Nuremburg taking their place thanks to their 3-1 win at Larissa.

2134 - FULL-TIME: Aberdeen 4-0 Copenhagen
The referee brings an end to proceedings in Aberdeen and the Pittodrie Stadium goes berserk - a truly wonderful result for the Dons, who make the last 32 at Copenhagen's expense. This will be the first time three Scottish teams are involved in European competition after Christmas since 1970, so get the beers in north of the border!

2133: Victor Anichebe does his best to tie things up for Everton, but his shot is at a comfortable height for the keeper and Boy Waterman saves comfortably. Is there time for one last AZ attack?

2129: Mounir El Hamdaoui's long-range shot is spilled by Everton keeper Stefan Wessels, but the German collects under pressure from Graziano Pelle. There's no doubting the Dutch side are desperate to preserve this unbeaten home record of theirs and they are piling bodies forward.

2126: It should be 3-3 at the DSB Stadium, Julian Jenner striding through with the goal at his mercy but the striker can only fire wide.

"4-0 to the Dons? Am I dreaming? Someone pinch me!"
Aj, west Inveralochy via text

2122 - GOAL! Aberdeen 4-0 Copenhagen
Moments after Lee Miller is denied what should have been a penalty after he is barged over by Michael Gravgaard in the box, Ricky Foster makes it 4-0 to Aberdeen with a sweeping finish from Chris Maguire's cross. The Dons fans are in full voice, and why not...

2120 - GOAL! AZ 2-3 Everton
And just as I say that, Everton regain the lead... Victor Anichebe's cross finds James Vaughan at the back post and the striker's cushion volley floats into the far corner. David Moyes responds by bringing on 16-year-old defender Jack Rodwell. Hoorah for the Rodwell family!

2119: A few changes have been made at the DSB Stadium and the tempo and flow of the match has suffered as a result.

2117: Ailton Almeida goes agonisingly close to reducing Copenhagen's deficit, but the Brazilian's side-footed effort comes off the outside of the post and away for a goal-kick.

2113: A standing ovation at Pittodrie as two-goal hero Jamie Smith is given a breather, Chris Maguire the man tasked with going on and helping see this match out for Aberdeen.

"Looks like Aberdeen will be going through with just one win - how weird are the group stages of the Uefa Cup? Anyway, well-done lads!"
big_jans_the_man on 606

2111 - GOAL! Aberdeen 3-0 Copenhagen
Jamie Smith's blushes are spared somewhat thanks to a fine moment of skill and industry from Lee Miller on the right hand side, the striker forcing his way to the byline before crashing a cross into the box that is deflected into the net by Copenhagen defender Mikael Antonsson for an own goal. Surely that's game, set and match for the impressive Dons.

2108: Jamie Smith misses a great chance to complete his hat-trick at the Pittodrie after Michael Hart's astute through ball sends him clear - but the Aberdeen man can only side-foot his shot wide. What a miss.

2106 - GOAL! AZ 2-2 Everton
AZ have looked stronger and stronger as the half has gone on and Kew Jaliens deservedly draws them level at the DSB Stadium, heading home direct from a corner. As if the news could be any worse for Everton, former Tottenham and Derby 'star' striker Mounir El Hamdaoui comes on as substitute for the hosts. Look out if you're in row Z at the DSB...

"Still think it's going to be a long, long half hour for Dons fans, but I'm starting to believe!"
RidRed on 606

2104: Aberdeen continue to flex their muscles at the Pittodrie Stadium and Copenhagen - who need a draw here to make the latter stages of the Uefa Cup - are struggling to get back into the match.

2101: Steven Pienaar goes close for Everton, but his drive is straight at keeper Waterman. Who would have thought Dennis' brother would make it in football huh? Alright, bad joke...

2059: The first clear glimpse at goal of the second half in Holland falls to Everton as Andy Johnson does his best to upset the fantastically named AZ keeper Boy Waterman, only for his tame turn and shot to be smothered.

2056 - GOAL! Aberdeen 2-0 Copenhagen
The Dons are in dreamland! A fantastic start to the second half is further rewarded as Jamie Smith latches onto Lee Miller's looped ball, takes his time and then slams into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

2054: Over at the DSB and it's a fairly scrappy start to the second half, even if the tempo remains high.

2050: And it's almost two goals in two minutes for Aberdeen as Zander Diamond has a shot from the right hand side of the box, only for his goalbound effort to deflect off a defender and fly wide.

"What a fantastic goal by Aberdeen. Quality Finish."
weonlysingwhenwefish on 606

2048 - GOAL! Aberdeen 1-0 Copenhagen
A beauty from Jamie Smith and the Dons are ahead! Jamie Langfield's huge punt bounces and finds the forward, Smith taking the ball on his chest before looping a superb strike into the top corner from fully 30 yards. Just the start to the second half Aberdeen needed and if it stays this way, they will make the last 32 of the competition...

"Tractorboysgotrich - It's gonna take a bloomin' long time before anyone has the chance to win at Ipswich in Europe!"
dirk-kuyt18 on 606

2047: Aaaaannnddd... we're back underway in both games...

"Come on Everton. We (Ipswich) want the 'never been beaten at home in Europe' title all to ourselves!"
Tractorboysgotrich, Suffolk via text

2040: PLAYER-RATER
Andy Johnson and Joleon Lescott are leading the way from your votes for Everton at the half-way stage, though AZ striker Graziano Pelle is flying high on 8.5 as the game's leading player. Zander Diamond appears to be winning your votes for Aberdeen but voting would appear to be slow as Copenhagen's players have yet to register a mark. Come on people, get involved!

2032 - HALF-TIME: AZ 1-2 Everton
A bright first half from both sides at the DSB Stadium, but it is AZ's record unbeaten run at home in Europe that appears to be most under threat thanks to a couple of clinical Everton finishes.

2031 - HALF-TIME: Aberdeen 0-0 Copenhagen
That's the end of the first half at the Pittodrie, and it's all square. Not bad from the Dons, but they will be hoping they aren't left to rue Lee Miller's early miss.

2028 - GOAL! AZ 1-2 Everton
The Toffees regain the lead at the DSB Stadium after AZ make a hash of clearing a corner. Joleon Lescott's effort from Andy Johnson's cut-back is cleared off the line but Phil Jagielka follows up to head home his first Everton goal.

2023: Everton earn a free-kick 22 yards from goal but James McFadden's left-foot curler fails to work the keeper. In Aberdeen, Rasmus Wurtz goes into the book for a wild swipe at Dons midfielder Severin.

2022: FC Copenhagen stride forward on the counter and it results in the best chance of the night at the Pittodrie, a half clearance falling to Granjkaer on the right without a Dons defender anywhere near him, but the winger's strike dips harmlessly wide of Langfield's goal. A let-off, that.

2020: Scott Severin almost produces a bit of magic, his driven cross on the volley from the right flying across the box at head height but alluding all three Dons players in the area.

"Whatever happens in Holland tonight, this match should prove to be a good European experience for Everton's youngsters."
toffees1888 (Irish evertonian of TBBCOE) on 606

2017: Just call me Mystic Meg - AZ's Ruud Vormer strides through on the right and blazes inches over the bar with Stefan Wessels motionless. Close.

2016: It's still nice and open in Alkmaar, with Everton more than holding their own against the tough Dutch opponents. The keepers are little more than spectators at the moment, but with the tempo high, the chances will surely come again soon.

2012: Copenhagen press forward and Jesper Gronkjaer forces a smart save from Dons keeper Langfield, cutting in from the right and firing low at goal for the Scot to hold well.

2009: Half-chance for Lee Miller at Aberdeen, but the striker's shot from the angle is blocked and the attack is cleared.

2007: Back at the Pittodrie Stadium and Sone Aluko is having some joy in attacking areas for Aberdeen - but otherwise it's Copenhagen who are dominating possession and the half-chances. The Danish outfit are coping with the Dons' aerial bombardment at the back and the hosts are failing to really create in these early stages.

"AZ equalise but in the words of Lauren - AM I BOVVERED."
richie4eva1 on 606

2002 - GOAL! AZ 1-1 Everton
I said AZ were starting to get back into the match at the DSB Stadium and so it proves - Graziano Pelle slams home from the edge of area after Gretar Steinsson's through-ball finds its way through the Everton defence.

2000: Aberdeen earn a free-kick in a decent position wide on the left of the box, and Barry Nicholson's cross causes a few problems before the referee blows up for a foul. Good signs for the hosts, though.

1958: AZ are starting to press quite nicely at the DSB Stadium and Demy De Zeeuw has their first shot on goal with a 20-yarder that flies wide.

1954: Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield shepherds another Copenhagen long-ranger over the bar when Canadian Atiba Hutchinson's 20-yarder keeps rising.

"Sorry Dons fans, I can only see a Copenhagen victory tonight - hope I'm wrong though!"
Stevie J, North Wales via text

1951: Lee Miller wastes a brilliant chance for Aberdeen when a long clearance finds him clear of the defence 20 yards out, only for the striker to snatch at the effort and it drifts harmlessly wide.

"AZ may look like Arsenal, but they're certainly not playing like them."
Steveweiser on 606

1949: In case you were unaware, AZ have never been beaten at home in Europe (a run stretching over 32 matches - a European record) - and the hosts zip up the other end immediately on the counter attack, only for Joleon Lescott to clear under pressure. Looks like it could be a nice open game at the DSB stadium.

1947 - GOAL! AZ 0-1 Everton
Well they may not have to win tonight, but as far as Everton are concerned they may as well do. Andy Johnson breaks the deadlock in the second minute, taking advantage of a defensive slip in the box to fire low into the near corner to put the Toffees ahead.

1946: Barely a minute on the clock and Rasnus Wurtz fires in the first shot of the match in Aberdeen, curling narrowly over after good build-up work.

1945: And we're off, here we go...

1943: The word from your favourite and mine Caroline Cheese, who is taking a break from commentary duties and covering Everton's match tonight, is that the Toffees will be employing a 4-3-1-2 formation with James McFadden in the hole. Aberdeen, meanwhile, look to be lining up in a 4-4-2, though Jamie Smith may be given license to roam...

1941: Don't forget if, like Plymjock84 below, you find you have time on your hands this evening, get involved in the chat on 606 or via text and I will do my best to publish the best and the funniest. We're nearing kick off in both matches now and, as the Aberdeen players line up in the tunnel, it's fair to say nerves are the order of the day. Let's hope they settle quickly...

"I've just lost my job!!!. I think its because I got caught on 606 a lot!!!!. Booooo 606, you're too addictive!!!!!"
606 lost me my job!!!! (Plymjock84)

"I think Aberdeen will get the crowd behind them and they will win 1-0."
Lorcan's Manchester Reds (Champions of England 06/07) There's only One Carlos Tevez! on 606

1934: Although far from an easy tie, Aberdeen's task may just be aided by the fact that FC Copenhagen are currently enjoying their winter break from the Danish league. Their last competitive tie was on 2 December, and the Dons will be hoping the, what shall we call them, 'fresh' conditions at the Pittodrie Stadium will catch their opponents cold. Of course, it might just mean Copenhagen are fit and fresh ahead of the tie but let's think positively...

"I am hoping for a good result in Holland, a draw will do nicely, but I honestly cant see that. With AZ's experience in the Uefa cup and their record at home, it will be VERY-super-duper TOUGH for our mix of 2nd and 3rd string."
ypsylon on 606

"With Everton at 4/1 I fancy a wee double on them and the Dons..."
Anon via text

1928: And Moyes isn't the only one talking tough ahead of the action, with Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood saying: "We're under no illusions about how competent Copenhagen are. But we've got to win the game, we know that."

Alright, not so much talking tough as stating the bleeding obvious, but you get what I mean...

1923: They may already have secured top spot in Group A, but try telling Toffees boss David Moyes that his side can take it easy: "My intention is for us to win four out of four games in the group stages. We want to keep the run that we are on just now going and we will have that in mind against Alkmaar."

"I hope the youngsters at Everton get the chance to play and show us that even better things are to come for us in future years - I'm going for a narrow 2-1 victory. COYB!!!"
Yakkity Yak on 606

1911 - TEAM NEWS
As expected, Everton manager David Moyes has rung the changes, with no fewer than seven changes from the side that beat West Ham last weekend. Only Lee Carsley, Phil Jagielka, Joleon Lescott and Steven Pienaar remain, with young defender Rodwell on the bench.

As for Aberdeen, boss Jimmy Calderwood makes three changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Motherwell at the weekend, with Andrew Considine, Aluko and fit-again Jamie Smith replacing Karim Touzani, Steve Lovell and the injured Derek Young. Former Chelsea winger Jesper Gronkjaer, meanwhile, climbs off his sick bed to start for Danish outfit Copenhagen.

"Having seen Copenhagen play live they are a decent side, but nevertheless I fancy Aberdeen to get the win they need."
RebelArmyRedDevil(Official Matchday Thread Man!)(aka RARD)(MUFC - The Religion) on 606

1907: It's all fairly simple tonight - Aberdeen have to win to go through, anything less and they are out, while Everton - having already won the group - can pretty much have a lark about ala me and the lads over Hackney marshes when we were young. Jubbly.

1900: Good evening people. For anyone even thinking about trundling to their nearest shopping centre and pursuing the Christmas present for a loved one to beat all Christmas presents, forget it, it's absolutely freezing outside.

Instead, pull up a chair, grab yourself a nice hot chocolate and lend your support to our boys in Aberdeen as they attempt to secure a first Uefa Cup win of the season to reach the last 32 of the competition - if Leon can win X-Factor, surely the Dons can pull it off tonight, no?

If that blockbuster of a tie doesn't quite take your fancy, then we have Everton's away clash in Alkmaar - the Toffees may already have ensured top spot in Group A, but interest is still high, not least in the Rodwell household where the hope is that 16-year-old Jack will make his first-team bow. Watch this space.