Everton embarrassed in penalty shoot-out

Thailand 1 Everton 1

The Champions League challengers were expected to sweep the hosts’ national Under-23 outfit aside and grab a place in Saturday’s final. But, after being outplayed for much of the contest, the Toffeemen were eventually beaten in a penalty shoot-out.

In sweltering conditions, Joseph Yobo was the guilty man, rolling one of the poorest penalties he can ever have taken straight at keeper Kosin Hathairattanakool, to ensure the hosts claimed victory by maintaining a 100% record with their five spot-kicks.

Phichitphong Choeichiu put the Thai team in front after just eight minutes with a blistering 25-yard drive that left Martyn helpless.

Everton grabbed an unexpected equaliser in the final minute of the half when Marcus Bent strode onto an astute pass from Leon Osman and flicked the ball home at the first attempt.

Bolton 1 Manchester City 1

(Bolton win 5-4 on penalties)

Ivan Campo struck the winning penalty after Bradley Wright-Phillips missed from the spot in a shoot-out to send Bolton into the final of the FA Premier League Asia Trophy at the expense of fellow Premiership side Manchester City.

Joey Barton gave City the lead four minutes before half-time with a low strike past Jussi Jaaskelainen, but Kevin Davies restored parity two minutes after the restart when he smashed Kevin Nolan’s cutback into the roof of the City net.

Both teams had a number of chances to clinch the win and take a place in the final against Thailand on Saturday, but in the heat and humidity neither side could take advantage and the game was eventually decided on penalties.