Pre-Season Friendly: Stuttgart 1 - 0 Everton [L] | OneFootball

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Everton conclude a two-game tour of Germany this afternoon against Vfb Stuttgart at the MHPArena.

Hayden Hackney starts but no chance of seeing new signing Christian Norgaard in action as he has failed to join the squad in Germany, where O'Brien and Branthwaite appear to be paired up together as centre-backs, with Rohl filling in again at right-back.

James Garner is still recovering from his 'minor' groin surgery.

First Half

Jarrad Branthwaite led the team out, and the home side got things going, keeping the ball away from Everton for the most part. After Branthwaite halted a very dangerous move, Beto saw a chance to battle his way forward and did well until the final touch which gave the ball to a defender.

O'Brien had to give away a corner, which almost led to a goal, the final shot missing the target from a narrow angle. Dibling had a little run forward with the ball but did not look at all comfortable.

Hackney tried an advanced forward pass that was never on and Stuttgart attacked again, but Everton were seeing more of the ball after 10 minutes.

Alcaraz got a gift ball from the Stuttgart goalie but Beto could not take advantage and shot well wide. There were some good turnovers in midfield but Everton then kept losing the ball.

Some much better passing got the ball forward, Hackney slicing his shot just the wrong side of the angle. But the goal Stuttgart had been threatening from the off came from Nartey who hammered into the roof of the Everton net over Travers.

Keane replaced Iroegbunam, who must have picked up an injury, ending the O'Brien - Branthwaite partnership in its infancy. Dibling ran onto the area and was fouled but nothing given, while Stuttgart ran up the other end but this time the shot was way off target.

Branthwaite forced a break-out from nothing, led by Alcaraz, Rohl's shot blocked.  Beto tried a wild bicycle kick that did not come off. Alcaraz got free and put in a fast low cross that Beto just could not get to.

Dibling did a little better but his final cross needed pasce and was too easily headed clear. Then there was a string of chances but no Everton player could apply the required finish.

Dibling again took the ball in but was a fraction slow crossing it and Alcaraz could not beat the defender with his shot. Another great ball from Rohl found Beto but it seems he crossed to Dibling at the far post rather than shooting, and Dibling had no chance reaching the cross.

A Travers clearance up to Beto saw a great header on to Rohl and he crossed back in perfectly for Beto, who kicked fresh air when it seemed easier to score! An incredible miss!

Another Everton attack saw Rohl cross to Dibling and his shot forced a low save at the post. Dibling's corner was delivered well but Beto headed over when it needed just a glance.

A rare Stuttgart attack ended with Mittelstadt smashing a rising shot over the bar from 25 yards out. Another chance developed but Keane was in the right place to block it behind.

A fantastic header from the corner was heading in the top corner but Travers leapt across and pawed it behind as the home side had a strong spell of pressure. More strong attacking play saw a low shot saved brilliantly by an outstretched foot from Travers.

Everton broke out again with Alcaraz feeding Rohl but his pass to Beto was way too heavy. A fantastic tackle by Armstrong stopped another attack. Rohl got forward down the right but could not find Beto with his cross.

Beto again got the break... but then put on the brakes and any chance was gone before the half-time whistle on a very lievely and competetive game that Everton could easily be leading by a handful of goals if only our players could score.

Everton: Travers, Röhl, O'Brien, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Iroegbunam (18' Keane), Dibling, Armstrong, Hackney, Alcaraz, Beto.