Tim Cahill Takes Positives From Everton Defeat To River Plate

"I just tried to hit it cleanly," the Australian said of his first half shot.

"The pitch was so bobbly, it was ridiculous, every time you got the ball you needed two touches to get it down. I hit the target but it didn't go in.

Cahill also spoke about River Plate's often X-rated tackling.

"It was no friendly out there! But what can you do? You get on with it and give as good as you get.

"The positives are that we created chances and we played better in the second half. It was good to see a lot of Everton supporters at the game as well."

River's goal was scored by the veteran Ariel Ortega, and Cahill concluded by affirming his admiration for the great playmaker's quality.

"Ortega was still pulling the strings - he's class. I watched him as a kid and there was nothing Nashy [Carlo Nash] could do about the goal.

Sometimes people have just got it - and he's got it," the Aussie concluded.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com