BRUSSELS, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Dutch club AZ Alkmaar were eliminated from the UEFA Cup after a hard-fought 2-3 bitter loss at home to Everton of England Thursday night.

    With the loss, AZ finished fourth in Group A of the UEFA Cup group-stage competition, and were denied a spot in the round-of-32 knock-out stage.

    The top three finishers of each group advance to the round of 32, joined by eight third-place finishers from the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, including Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.

    AZ were under must-win circumstances against group leaders Everton to keep alive hopes of advancing to the next stage.

    During the match at the DSB Stadium in Alkmaar, AZ rallied to level the score twice but were not strong enough in the end.

    Just two minutes into the game, Andrew Johnson opened the score for Everton. Fourteen minutes later, Graziano Pelle equalized for the hosts. But at the 44th minute, Phil Jagielka's shot helped Everton retain its advantage.

    After the break, AZ pressed on and Kew Jaliens equalized again for the hosts. However, at the 79th minute, they were dealt a fatal blow by James Vaughan.

    In another match of the night, Germany's Nuremberg defeated hosts Larissa of Greece 3-1, finishing second in Group A. Russia's Zenit St. Petersburg were third in the group.

    Nuremberg, Zenit join Everton in the round of 32.

    The draw for the Round of 32 and Round of 16 will be announced on Friday.