NEW Everton keeper Asmi Begovic netted a shootout penalty and saved one from his opposite number as Rafa Benitez launched his Toffees’ reign by winning the Florida Cup.
Winger Demerai Gray hit Everton’s penalty equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Millonarios just three days after joining from Bayer Leverkusen, before Benitez’s men triumphed 10-9 triumph on spot-kicks.
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Fellow Toffees’ newcomer Andros Townsend, from Crystal Palace, also impressed before Gray replaced him for the second half.
But Begovic ultimately stole the show as his bid to challenge England No1 Jordan Pickford for the first-choice Everton spot began spectacularly.
Andres Llinas put Millonarios in front on 18 minutes but the Toffees got stronger, especially after the break.
And Gray bagged Everton’s deserved leveller on 64 minutes.
But in the end they needed a shootout to win the cup.
Begovic saved from Millonarios’ second-taker Ricardo Marquez but the penalty exchange turned into an epic.
Ex-Bournemouth stopper Begovic went on to smash the ball down the middle to beat Juan Esteban Moreno.
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The Bosnian then thwarted Millonarios keeper Moreno to give former Liverpool manager Benitez an instant boost after his controversial appointment at Goodison.
Ex-Real Madrid chief Benitez is still being linked with more signings, including a move for AC Milan striker Leao.
Agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly trying to spearhead a Premier League switch for the 22-year-old, with Wolves also keen.
