Israel’s campaign to qualify for their first world cup in 40 years took a step backwards on Saturday night as they were held 1-1 at home to Greece.
Liverpool playmaker Yossi Benayoun played despite not fully recovering from an injury which has kept him out of the Liverpool side for the past 3 weeks. Without Benayoun at his best, Israel struggled to take control and can be considered lucky to have come away with a point.
Switzerland won their game to leapfrog Israel into second place. It could have all been so different had Israel not conceded a last gasp equaliser away to Latvia in October last year.
Israel face Greece again on Wednesday night in a must-win encounter if they hope to win the group and with it, automatic qualification for South Africa 2010.
The winners of the group automatically qualify and the top 8 best runners up proceed to the sudden death qualification play offs.
No cause for pessimism just yet. The campaign is exactly half over, with each team now needing to play the 5 reverse legs.
In the first 5 games, Israel is just one point adrift, but are the only unbeaten side. If they had not let the goal in against Latvia, they would be leading the group by a point.
At very least, they are looking in good shape for a second place. My money is still on them to win the group.
Posted by: Sam | March 30, 2009 at 12:19
Wednesday night will be crucial. Defeat in Crete will make it very difficult.
Posted by: Steve | March 30, 2009 at 13:56
I predict defeat in Crete. A conCrete loss will result in Israel being exCreted from the group. Very IndisCretely.
Posted by: Sam | March 30, 2009 at 15:43