Everton relieved to quell AEK threat

Jô and Tim Cahill paid tribute to the quality of opponents AEK Athens FC after Everton produced a gutsy performance in the Greek capital to seal their place in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League.

Determined visitors
Australian attacking midfielder Cahill put in a typically energetic display operating behind Brazilian striker Jô as David Moyes' men battled to victory at the OACA Spiros Louis. Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov struck the only goal of the game in the sixth minute and the Toffees needed to defend well, especially in the second half, to hold on.

'Strong side'
"Now we understand how AEK managed to beat Benfica – they are a very strong side," said Cahill after helping his team qualify from Group I with a game to spare. "It was a very difficult game. We applied the instructions the manager gave us and, with a little bit of luck, we managed to get the win and secure our place in the next round. We did what we had to do out there and are happy with the result."

Impressive Jô
Jô, on loan at Goodison Park from Manchester City FC, put in an impressive shift before unfortunately having to be replaced by Ayegbeni Yakubu in the second half with an apparent knee injury. It was the Brazilian's hold-up play and clever through ball which sent Bilyaletdinov clean through to drill in the goal. "We knew we were facing a good team," said the 22-year-old. "We managed to get in front, then it was all about keeping that scoreline and we achieved exactly that to take the win."

Howard happy
Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard believes the fact the Merseyside club have qualified despite being plagued by injuries during the campaign shows their strength. "Overall I think we have done very well in this competition given the circumstances," said the American. "Everyone expected Benfica to be strong and that has proved to be the case."