Everton Defeat Stoke On Penalties To Reach Barclays Asia Trophy Final

Tim Howard made a crucial save to deny Marco Van Ginkel as Everton beat Stoke City in a penalty shootout to reach the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy on Wednesday.

Following a goalless draw between the Premier League sides at Singapore’s National Stadium, the American goalkeeper got a strong hand to turn away Van Ginkel’s effort in the second round of the shootout to give his side the upper hand.

With all of the other spot kicks successfully converted, Phil Jagielka found the top right corner with Everton’s final attempt to seal a 5-4 victory.

Lukaku Can Be World's Best Player - Tim Howard

Romelu Lukaku wants to become the best player in the world, according to Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard. Lukaku scored his first goal of the Premier League season in a 2-0 victory against his former club West Brom on Saturday.

Much is expected of the 21-year-old after he sealed a permanent move to Goodison Park from Chelsea for a club-record fee of €35 million following a successful loan spell last season. And having also featured for a Belgium side which reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil, Howard says Lukaku is intent on reaching the level of Ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

USA: Howard Announces Sabatical Leave

United States goalkeeper Tim Howard has announced that he will take a sabbatical from international duty until September 2015. Howard, 35, has not retired from the national team but wants to take time off to be with his family as he enters the twilight of his career.

The Everton keeper starred at this year's World Cup as the US reached the tournament's last 16.
But Howard feels his call to step away from the team and prioritise his family is the "right decision at the right time".

"Having played overseas for the last 12 years and missing out on spending time with my family, making this commitment to my family is very important at this time," Howard said in a statement.

Klinsman Hails Phenomenal Howard

United States boss Jurgen Klinsmann paid tribute to Tim Howard's "phenomenal" performance as the Everton goalkeeper defied Belgium until extra time.

Howard made 16 saves, the most by any keeper in a World Cup match since 1966 according to statistics, before two goals in extra time saw Belgium win 2-1 to secure a quarter-final place against Argentina.

Klinsmann said: "What Tim played tonight was just phenomenal, outstanding - he kept us in that game for a long time. We are proud to have him with us.