Blues face Valencia... on Tuesday

Lyndon Lloyd , 5 August, 59comments | Jump to most recent

Despite the schedule for the International Champions Cup billing Everton's final game in the USA for Wednesday in Miami, a poorly-communicated twist in the rules means that the Blues now play on Tuesday at 9pm EDT (2am UK time on Wednesday) against Valencia.

The ICC website has consistently featured a "bracket-style" format whereby Everton, as losing semi-finalists would play for 3rd place on Wednesday.

However, a points-based group format was apparently introduced, specified only in the fine print, and LA Galaxy's victory over Juventus yesterday means that they will contest 3rd place against AC Milan and Everton will play for fifth against Valencia (due to Milan winning the head-to-head with the Spaniards in game 1).

The date change means that Everton fans who made ticketing and travel arrangements for the originally scheduled day could be sorely out of pocket unless the tournament organisers agree to reimburse them because of the confusion.

As recently as 24 hours ago, ICC's Twitter account stated, in a subsequently deleted tweet, that Everton would be contesting the third-place playoff:

Swap / refund details for Miami game

Reader Comments (59)

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Edward Simpson
1 Posted 05/08/2013 at 03:06:46

I'd much rather play Milan anyway to be honest.

However the organisers clearly wanted Galaxy to be as high up as possible.

Gerry Quinn
2 Posted 05/08/2013 at 03:15:28

What a bloody farce this is turning out to be. Why didn't they just pick Real Madrid v Chelsea for the final and get the rest of the teams to turn up - oh, sorry, they did!

I genuinely feel sorry for all of those fans who arranged to go to this on the original context, but feel that they have no chance of re-imbursement whatsoever - a sad, sad end to what really was a great idea for a pre-season tournament

Conor Waters
3 Posted 05/08/2013 at 03:13:48

Official site for the tournament has us playing Valencia in the 5th place match on Tuesday. As AC Milan already beat them earlier, in Spain. Oh and Milan managed to squeeze in another competition (Audi Cup) in between all that. What a badly organised tournament. Still nice to play some decent opposition.

Iain Johnston
4 Posted 05/08/2013 at 03:46:13

Lyndon, lots of blues are on the road from L A to Miami. All of us who have followed the live forum know the likes of Paul Ferry are driving. I hate to think fans who don't get to see the Blues that often could miss out particularly after all the effort made.
It would be sad end to what has been a popular and successful pre season.

James Flynn
5 Posted 05/08/2013 at 04:26:08

Never underestimate AEG's power over here. Or did you think Madrid's first game was against Galaxy in LA by some random draw?

Adam Fenlon
6 Posted 05/08/2013 at 05:12:58

Thats a bit shit. We want our Guinness bronze medal match....
Oh well hopefully we finish on a high by getting a win.

Jamie Sweet
7 Posted 05/08/2013 at 05:09:56

What an absolute farce. Anyone get the feeling that had the officials not managed to make sure we didn't beat RM that they would still have found some reason in the small print to relegate us to the 5th place match?!

So many positives to take from this tour, but with so many changes being made to seemingly benefit the "top" teams, it's starting to leave a bitter taste.

Plucky little Everton, just there to make up the numbers and give the national 'keeper a run out on home soil - clearly didn't follow the script by toppling the mighty Juve.

I hope this doesn't affect too many of our fans who have been so fantastic in their support over the last week.

Pete Gunby
8 Posted 05/08/2013 at 06:09:44

Absolute rigged pile of shit. Conspiracy theorists must love this.... disallowing goals against Ronaldo and the Sweethearts of Madrid. Now a last-minute switch to push us out of a Glamour game. The Fix is in. Good luck to the fans scrambling to get to Miami. COYB

Phil Sammon
9 Posted 05/08/2013 at 06:23:08

Unbelievable!

First it's Real Madrid dictating when they play their games, now the organisers change the tournament format to suit their own agenda.

If there was any doubt about the dodgy officiating the other night then this has made my mind up!

Laughable.

Chris Williamson
10 Posted 05/08/2013 at 06:40:52

Geesh, makes FIFA look honest and organised! Well, not honest, exactly, but at least FIFA cover up their shenegans with some skill.

Kevin Thompson
11 Posted 05/08/2013 at 07:12:52

Is that time of 2am subject to change? What is Real Madrid want to play at a different time?, I can see some Everton fans turning up for the wrong match in the USA with the confusion.

Lyndon you should clarify that it is 2am Weds in your article

Tony Horne
12 Posted 05/08/2013 at 07:36:11

Now we know how Everton got to play in such a prestigious tournament - everyone else had read the small print........

Adam Fenlon
13 Posted 05/08/2013 at 07:44:19

I’ve gotta say though – it’s a pretty good state of affairs that the tournament organisers are the main thing we’re whinging about at the mo. There would have been a real risk that playing Juve, Real and the rest might have given us an unwanted reality check – instead we’re feeling ripped off that we didn’t beat Real Madrid….

Dennis Stevens
14 Posted 05/08/2013 at 07:51:48

If they didn't want an actual competition they might as well have arranged a series of exhibition friendlies & then just presented some 'team of the series' award to Real at the end.

Brin Williams
15 Posted 05/08/2013 at 08:02:42

Just used as cannon fodder I'm afraid.

Still, I do believe we come out winners, from the whole experience which gives us all a perspective of where we stand in the pecking order of world 'soccer'.

David Pearl
16 Posted 05/08/2013 at 08:22:42

That's disgusting actually. Hope people aren't too much out of pocket and are able to get tickets.

It says 2 points for a win - so we got bumped for goal difference being -1 and LA even. However the first rule says its a bracket system. Then again Valencia finished with 2 points having beaten Inter - so they should take Milans spot for 3rd place, shouldn't they?? wtf is going on? Oh hang on head to head is first deciding factor. OK that's all clear then.

Andrew Ellams
17 Posted 05/08/2013 at 08:31:01

Some of these pre season tournaments do have odd formats to try and dictate the outcome
From our point of view it is a no lose situation really as we still get a game against quality opposition and have plenty of positives to take into the final week of pre season

Sam Hoare
18 Posted 05/08/2013 at 08:42:02

I think Valencia will be a good match. They thrashed inter and are probably the standard of a top 8 premiership team who move the ball well. Good prep for playing the likes of Swansea, Southhampton and the RS.

Johan Wennberg
19 Posted 05/08/2013 at 09:25:11

Hey guys, if you followed hockey in the 80s or 90s, the Canada Cup was the same like this tournament: refs cheated the European teams and gave everything to Canada and US so the final would be played with them. But sometimes the Europeans were too strong and got to the final.

The ref was a joke against Real. The tournament is joke. But I love our new passing game we're playing.

In Martinez we trust...

Brent Stephens
20 Posted 05/08/2013 at 09:57:02

I've gone from a high about this competition to a very low low, as I just feel for our fans over there who might not now get to this game and / or who will incur significant extra costs.

Would be nice to know EFC could help them in some way but highly unlikely.

But for the future, and with our overseas fans in mind, you'd just hope EFC will read the small print and make clear to fans the potential implications. Or just not sign up to the uncertainty.

Raymond Fox
21 Posted 05/08/2013 at 10:45:26

An expensive mess for fans travelling to venue! Feel for them.

Not too bothered about where we finish to be honest, will be interesting to see what team RM picks.

Jon Withey
22 Posted 05/08/2013 at 10:54:16

Happy to see us play Valencia but sorry for the fans that are out there.

Let's face it, it's an exhibition for Guinness and to fill stadiums and we aren't a champions league team at the mo, so it's not too bad for the exposure.

Alasdair Mackay
23 Posted 05/08/2013 at 11:04:49

Valencia are my favourite European team, so I am actually pretty happy about this.

Wish I had the money and time to fly out to Miami for it!

COYB!!

Peter Laing
24 Posted 05/08/2013 at 11:03:49

Whatever team RM picks it is an absolute must that he tightens the team up at the back as we appeared to be playing a very high line against Real and it was easy to pick us off with long range passing / through balls.

Tony Waring
25 Posted 05/08/2013 at 11:14:37

Has anyone got the name and email address of the organisers to hand ? We could then all send them our personal messages indicating our incredulity of the shambolic organisation of this s0-called tournament. It's farcical.

Harold Matthews
26 Posted 05/08/2013 at 09:49:24

Bit rough on the travelling fans. The whole thing stinks but I've really enjoyed the two games and the chat from Toffee Webbers worldwide.
For the manager, his staff and the players, it has been an invaluable experience. In fact, as Martinez touched upon post Madrid, the danger of giving the ball away far too cheaply against class opposition has been severely highlighted and this and other weaknesses will be worked on.
Also, because this new system is his baby, he will have seen a lot more than we fans. What pleases us may not please him and vice versa. Unfortunately for him and for us, the Fellaini/Baines situation is clouding every thought and needs to be resolved ASAP. Until it is, we will not be truly strong and together.

Looking forward to the Valencia game but must remember that we are still experimenting and it won't be easy. If we improve on our last performance and don't give the ball away cheaply I'll be well satisfied.

Eugene Ruane
27 Posted 05/08/2013 at 11:10:31

Well I just hope the Everton supporters who have been messed about don't get too angry and produce large banners that read something along the lines..

"THIS COMPETITION STINKS. SUPPORTERS TREATED LIKE SHITE. MADRID-FRIENDLY REFEREES. RULES CHANGED TO SUIT MADRID. ONCE AGAIN GUINNESS HAS GIVEN EVERYONE THE SHITS. PS: FUCK FRANCO!"

Or..

"RONALDO WEARS A LONG LEATHER, HIS MAM LOOKS LIKE JOE BUGNER AND HIS ADAM'S APPLE IS SO BIG HE LOOKS LIKE HE'S TRYING TO SWALLOW JOE ROYLE'S HEAD"

Please, let's not sink to this level.

Tom Bowers
28 Posted 05/08/2013 at 11:36:50

Farsical is the word and it does seem a Mourinho versus Ancellotti set up from the minute Everton upset Juventus and then LA did the same.
However the main thing is the games against tough sides which are tuning the Blues up nicely for the Norwich game with another against Betis on Sunday.
Fellaini seems to be the trump card for Everton if he indeed is sold before the season starts. If Fabregas stas at Barca then expect Manure to come a huntin' soon.
That would give Everton a nice load of dough to beef up the squad with more quality.

Phil Walling
29 Posted 05/08/2013 at 12:07:17

Elstone should have told them to stuff it and ordered the players onto the first plane back home.

But then it`s only the fans who`ve got pissed about and are out of profit.

Piss ups and breweries YET AGAIN !

Simon Smith
30 Posted 05/08/2013 at 12:13:09

This comp leaves a bitter after taste just like Guinness! And not only that it gives you the run around like you have been knocking back the black stuff all day. They could have just cut to the chase and had a Madrid - Chelsea final as that is what they wanted to happen all along!!

Matt Traynor
31 Posted 05/08/2013 at 12:49:27

Tom #118, hate to break it to you but farsical is not a word.

Brin Williams
32 Posted 05/08/2013 at 12:56:06

Do you think he meant feceasical - same sort of shit!

Ian Burns
33 Posted 05/08/2013 at 13:01:34

My son has just texted me from Miami - "OK, I'm in the right city; I think know which stadium but when and who are we playing. No info out here. Have I got time for breakfast?".

Feel really sorry for the blues fans out there.

I pray Martinez gives them something to shout about when we play Valencia and starts with the strongest team he feels has has at the moment so they can get used to playing together and then repeats the exercise against Betis. I pray that includes a back four plus Barkley and not a 15 minute cameo from the bench.

Peter Cummings
34 Posted 05/08/2013 at 13:31:49

Just another exhibition game but a kick in the teeth for both the Blues and the fans. Instead of a fully merited third place finish they end up as whipping boys, total farce.

Derek Knox
35 Posted 05/08/2013 at 13:46:37

While I agree we have been treated as also rans,even before the first game! The main thing is just to treat it as a good pre-season work out against quality opposition! Nevertheless, I can't help feeling for the fans who have tailored their travel arrangements to accommodate the games to be left high and dry at the last minute,because they have moved the goalposts!
Valencia will provide a decent test,having beaten Inter 4-0,but like has been mentioned, we should not only treat this one fairly seriously,but must sort out the midfield and defence tactics!

Andy Parsons
36 Posted 05/08/2013 at 14:16:13

It's important to remember that there is nothing at stake other than our preparations for the new season. We'll get another good game against Valencia in order to do that and that's fine by me. If not kicking up an almighty fuss and accepting this is part and parcel of this kind of tournament means we get invited to more of these, then maybe it's a price worth paying. Although obviously if you bought tickets, that's a different matter.

Phil Friedman
37 Posted 05/08/2013 at 14:31:29

This competition is a joke, with sparse crowds and no real coverage over here in the US. It was set up to give Relevent Sports (a bunch of wealthy nobodies) a showcase for their promoting talents, to get them a team in the MLS in Miami. Does anyone really think this trophy is coveted? Or that there will be a second tournament next year?

As many others above pointed out, except for the outrage of Blues fans traveling to Miami for the wrong day, the only thing important about this has been good preseason competition. I was in LA Saturday, and Real played hard and gave us a good test. I came away with a different concern about RM's three at the back formation--it became clearto me that Jags, as good has he is, does not have the speed or range to play right back of the three. Countless times Coleman had to backtrack to cover for him. (I know it was against Ronaldo, but we may be playing against him with Manure this year.) If RM sticks with this set-up, Jags must be the middle of the three, or there could be real trouble.

Jamie Crowley
38 Posted 05/08/2013 at 14:54:13

Johan - in 94'(I think) Stevey Y top-shelved the winner, didnt he. Wicked wrist shot about 120 mph.

I digress....

I for one am excited to play Valencia. I think it'll be a decent game to watch. Doesn't Inter kinda park the bus? Don't wanna see that crap.

Leaving in 24 hours - kids excited as I've seen them! Can't wait.

finally, it looks as though the tournament was designed this way from the get-go. Best GD though to 3rd place game.

Second finally... in the Guinness Cup wouldn't you prefer to leave with bronze?

Anthony McKeown
39 Posted 05/08/2013 at 15:51:35

Let's take it for what it is this a Real Madrid - Chelsea lovefest and we are getting treated like the fat bird that always comes with the sort.

Ray Atherton
40 Posted 05/08/2013 at 16:41:11

Just read an article by Rodney Marsh, says blues have got to adress the organisation of our defence playing a high line game.
He states we can find ourselves in trouble if we don't tighten up in the new season (his opinion on the Madrid game)

We know its goin to take time to perfect it. I hope Ross B. gets 90 mins against Valencia.

Mark Tanton
41 Posted 05/08/2013 at 17:26:17

I'd like to see Barkley, Jelavic and Robles start against Valencia.

Joe Bibb
42 Posted 05/08/2013 at 18:11:34

If you disagree with the game change as I do. Then don't buy Guinness ever again and let them know by email just why you and thousands of other Evertonians will boycott Guinness until any travelling Evertonian is reimbursed.

David Marsden
43 Posted 05/08/2013 at 19:52:36

Gents,
Use their twitter hashtag #ICC2013 and tell then how happy we are!
Their bullshit might backfire on them.

Mike Allison
45 Posted 05/08/2013 at 20:50:34

Perfectly happy to play Valencia, and I couldn't give a toss where we finish in this tournament (given that we're not going to win it) but what an absolute farce of an organisation.

They've invented a new, stupid, complicated format when something straightforward and simple would have done. But then American sport tends to do that anyway.

Roman Sidey
46 Posted 05/08/2013 at 20:57:24

Just checked in at a hostel slightly north of South Beach. If any Blues are heading for a pint later in prep for tomorrow's match's drop me a line at romansidey@hotmail.com.

Playing Valencia I think gives us a good opportunity to see how we're developing as I'd say they are similar to our level. Beating or even drawing with Juve was a fantastic result, and I'd love to be able to know for sure if that is an indication of how we are these days.

Mike Gaynes
47 Posted 05/08/2013 at 21:10:42

Phil Friedman (140)... who cares whether the tournament is a joke, or why it was set up? It gave us three great preseason games against world-class sides we'd never get to play otherwise. And it gave thousands of Stateside Everton fans (like me) a chance to see our team play in person when we might never have had the time or the $$ to come to Goodison.

And I'd debate you on attendance and coverage... 20,000 is a pretty decent attendance for a friendly in the US, and all the games have been televised live and replayed later. That's not bad.

Phil Friedman
48 Posted 05/08/2013 at 21:52:42

Mike 255-- I agree that it was good for us Blues fans, as one who flew in from Phila to LA for Saturday's match, and good for the team to have the level of competition. The sham of how we were denied the 3rd place game is what I was decrying. But at 20,000 attndance, I can't see how that's a success...MLS matches draw that, you would think that with proper marketing by the sponsors, you could get better attendance to see the top teams in the world. I didn't see the Meadowlands attendance numbers from yesterday--were they better? A few months ago Chelsea-Man City drew over 35000 at Yankee Stadium in a meaningless frendly. Surely the ICC promoters could have done better with a doubleheader in football-mad LA, with the Galaxy featured.

Gerry Quinn
49 Posted 05/08/2013 at 21:58:51

Agree totally Mike #255. Initially I got peeved because of the pissing around with the format. However, you are right - 3 great matches to warm yourselves up with and a chance for anyone in the US to catch up with their team - or have a great holiday from the UK.

Ross Edwards
50 Posted 05/08/2013 at 22:56:49

It's going to be a game of risk next season, playing such a high line. We'll have to play a Barca type pressing game because if we don't, we could get massacred by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and City.

That's one of the drawbacks with Roberto's style. If we are to play with such high risk we need to press rather than letting the opposition pass us to death.

Hopefully it will be ironed out before the PL season starts.

Tony Marsh
51 Posted 05/08/2013 at 23:57:53

Ross @ 294 — we have taken on two of the world's top sides in the last 7 days and never looked overwhelmed or out of place. We got robbed v Madrid and should've beaten Juventus before pens. Under the other fella, we would've been walloped and beaten before kick off. Then again, we never took on such teams under the other fella. I would sooner we go for it and conceded in games if need be than sit back and wait to get twatted every time we play a top side.

Jamie Sweet
52 Posted 06/08/2013 at 00:07:23

Before this tournament, I thought that drinking Guinness was akin to drinking a cold cup of coffee out of an old muddy sock, and my opinion has now gone downhill from there.

Other than that, this tour has given me the sense that the club is moving in the right direction and feeling happy with what I’m seeing on the pitch.

Everton 10 Guinness 0

Paul Ferry
53 Posted 06/08/2013 at 00:02:10

We are in Mississippi; detour last evening to stay in New Orleans – got hammered.

These Mississippi people are a little on the odd side; can't understand a word they say... confederate flags all over the place. God is also everywhere so to speak, anti-abortion this and that, saw three snakes while having a beer, delta drawl ... lovely beaches and sea or bay whatever it is or gulf or whatever. Blissful sea food straight out the sea gulf bay whatever the fuck it is.

Promised female Ferry that we will make it, so we will – she's there now probably drinking and flirting and acting like a loose hussy with her 'lewd' sister!

COYB

Rick Barnes
54 Posted 06/08/2013 at 00:14:51

I think it's obvious this guy was involved in making up the rules of the tournament.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KeG_i8CWE8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Norman Merrill
55 Posted 06/08/2013 at 08:12:05

Lets hope we give a good performance, get a result, & get back home without any injuries.
And then concentrate on the long road ahead. COYBZ

Matt Traynor
56 Posted 06/08/2013 at 10:23:01

Tony #301 couldn't have put it better if I tried.

Harold Matthews
57 Posted 06/08/2013 at 11:49:36

The defensive issue was ironed out at half time.
In his post match interview Martinez didn't blame the system. He blamed the players for giving the ball away too cheaply and not coping with the counter attack.

This is not just a Martinez thing. We were caught out in similar fashion two or three times last season when Jags organised our high line too far up the pitch. Against United we were almost on the halfway line as RVP will happily testify.

Craig Walker
58 Posted 06/08/2013 at 12:42:51

Tony #301. Spot on. We wouldn't have even been in this competition. We would have been in Austria or somewhere, running up mountains and getting "conditioned" for the start of the season. We'd then start the season like our players hadn't seen a football in months and recover around November time. Admittedly last season was better but this close season has been a breath of fresh air from the other fella.

Liam Reilly
59 Posted 06/08/2013 at 13:52:36

Feel for the supporters who have had their travel arrangements screwed up, but for fucks sake, who cares if its AC Milan for 3rd or Valencia for 5th? We are playing quality teams here and I for one am delighted to see that, as opposed to playing those giants of Cambridge or Tranmere Rovers and being no where ready for the new season.

Ryan Sloan
60 Posted 06/08/2013 at 23:58:38

It's been exciting, and in expecting us to rest Norwich a new one, and really lay down a marker for next season, I can see Jelavic and Mirallas being the key next season. We should be going to places like Cw road and winning comfortably. I really think Martinez will bring the belief that this squad can acheive. If you don't aim high, you will never climb.

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