Back then, Everton were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Chicago Fire and their performances were lacklustre but there was grounds for optimism here.

“It was a better performance than this time last year,” Moyes agreed. “But that’s what we expect. I think we have developed over the last season.

“It was quite a close game and I think a draw might have been a fairer result but in the end we have lost. We don’t like losing but it wasn’t a bad performance.

“I thought it was a penalty kick; if I’m honest, I thought it was nailed on and I was surprised we didn’t get it.

“But River Plate are a famous old club and though they have been a bit up and down in their time, they gave us a good enough work out.”

They also scored a quite brilliant goal; Ortega may have personal problems, but playing for River Plate he showed the magic has not gone.

“It was a brilliant finish,” said Moyes. “I nearly clapped it myself. It was a poor mistake from Jack Rodwell and Joleon Lescott but in the end, we have been beaten by a magnificent finish. To chip the keeper like he did was outstanding.”

Everton, meanwhile, are not in the running to sign Tottenham defender Alan Hutton, despite reports saying that they are close to a £7m deal.