FLORIDA CUP: EVERTON VS. MILLONARIOS

July 25, 2021

Asmir Begovic

Camping World Stadium

Everton F.C.

Media Conference

Everton - 1 (10), Millonarios - 1 (9)

Q Mr. Begovic, how do you rate Juan Moreno's performance in Millonarios in the match? And were you surprised by the level of the Colombian team of Millonarios and of the players of Millonarios?

ASMIR BEGOVIC: I thought it was a really good game for us, exactly what we needed. It was a good test for preseason, at this stage of preseason for us to get us ready for the next season. I'm not surprised by the quality at all. Some of the video that we watched we knew they were a difficult game. And that's exactly what we received.

So I thought they were probably better first half; we were better second half. Probably a fair result. We were able to edge on penalties.

Q Could you tell us your thoughts on when you had to line up to take the penalty, how were you feeling?

ASMIR BEGOVIC: I mean, it's funny. All these years I've never taken a penalty. I've taken two in the last year. So, not really much went through my head. Just kept putting my head down. Put my foot through the ball and hit the target and hope for the best really. And thankfully it worked out.

Q Just generally in the game, that's your first appearance, Everton playing with a new defense and new players. But it did look from the outside as though everything was very comfortable and you seemed to sort of slot it in very quickly and very seamlessly. Is that how it felt to you?

ASMIR BEGOVIC: Yeah, I mean we've had a good few days' training which has helped, of course. And ultimately it makes it easy when you play with good players. All the boys in front of me are top-quality players. And I think that understanding, if things happen a little bit quickly when you play with good players, and of course it makes my job and our collective jobs much easier.

Q After 90 minutes of a close game, what's your opinion of Millonarios of Colombia?

ASMIR BEGOVIC: I mean, nothing but positive. I thought they were really good teams, some really good players. Like I said, a really good game, a test for us; exactly what we need to play good teams and competitive games at this stage of preseason for us. And I thought they were a really good team -- a really good team and some good players. And obviously wish them the best for the future.

Q And how did you study the penalty kicks of Millonarios?

ASMIR BEGOVIC: In general, they were good penalty kicks. I got close to a couple. And thankfully I was able to save a couple. I got a little bit of luck, which is what you need in penalty kicks.

Q And there -- was a Millonarios player that impressed you?

ASMIR BEGOVIC: To be frank, the whole team was good. I couldn't say one individual right now. Forgive me for that. But I just thought a really good team, technically very sound. Pressed us well in the first half. Just a good team, and a really good standard of play.