Hajduk Split 1-1 Everton (agg: 1-3): Gylfi Sigurdsson nets wonder-strike as Toffees progress Last Updated: 24/08/17 10:32pm
Gylfi Sigurdsson scored an audacious 45-yard lob as Everton drew 1-1 with Hajduk Split to reach the Europa League group stages, winning 3-1 on aggregate. Making his first start since his £45m move from Swansea, Sigurdsson scored 16 seconds after half-time with an incredible effort from distance. The goal levelled the scores on the night after Josip Radosevic had hammered the hosts in front with a powerful effort from 30 yards in a tie which Everton were leading 2-0 after the first-leg. Jordan Pickford, who was called up to the England squad on Thursday, also sent a message to Gareth Southgate by saving a second-half penalty from Said Ahmed Said.
The draw for the Europa League group stages will be conducted on Friday lunchtime.
Pickford, signed from Sunderland for an initial £25m this summer, had to be alert in the early stages to repel a low drive from Zoran Erceg.
But there was nothing the goalkeeper could do about Radosevic's strike on 42 minutes.
There looked little danger when the ball dropped to the midfielder but he pinged a sensational effort which swerved in the air and into the roof of the net.
The home fans, though, were silenced 14 seconds after the restart when Sigurdsson scored an outrageous effort out of nothing.
The 27-year-old chased down a ball down the right flank near the half-way line and despite being off balance fired a wondrous effort over the goalkeeper.
The goal meant the hosts needed three to win the tie but they gave it a good go.
After 64 minutes, Ashley Williams conceded a penalty when fouling Erceg as the Croatian turned into the box. However, Pickford produced a fine stop down to his right to push out Said's spot-kick.
Man of the match - Gylfi Sigurdsson
A game which will be remembered for a piece of world-class finishing from the new Everton man, who announced himself onto the scene in the best possible way. His all-round play in behind Rooney, also who impressed again, would have pleased Ronald Koeman.
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